The death of King Harald V on 28 August 2026, at the age of 89, closed an important chapter in the modern history of Norway. Harald had been on the throne since 1991 and, during his 35-year reign, was associated with the modernization of the Norwegian monarchy, but also with important moments in the country's modern history.
0On the occasion of his death, Greek radio and news in Florida contacted the Greek and graduate of historical studies at the University of Strasbourg, Sotiris Hatzinikolaou, in order to talk about the personality and historical path of King Harald, the most important stages of his life, the legacy he leaves in Norway, but also his relationship with Greece.
What is your personal opinion about King Harald V and what do you consider to have been his greatest contribution to Norway?
The historian of the future will recognize that he contributed to the modernization of the kingdom through his behavior by refusing the dictates of royal protocol to marry a non-blue-blood, the current Queen Sonia, the daughter of a merchant, despite the reactions of his parents.
Also, the monarchy became more direct and accessible to the people, with his attitude, his example. In 2016, he spoke openly in favor of minorities and the LGBT community. I would like to dwell on this for a moment, because, the monarchy par excellence as a primitive regime if you will, is the guardian of the values and ideals of a nation, something that conflicts with the current of political correctness.
We should take into account, however, that the king in the Western world at least reigns, and does not govern.
Then, on July 22, 2011, with the terrorist attacks that the country experienced, the royal family had unassumingly stood by the people, and Norwegians have not forgotten it to this day.
If you had to choose one point in his life or reign that defined him as a man and as a monarch, who would it be and why?
To somewhat summarize the life of the late king, we should mention that he is the first king of Norway to be born on Norwegian soil.
As a prospective heir during World War II, he lived in the United States and Sweden until 1945, as he was exiled with the other members of the royal dynasty. I believe that exile has somewhat forged his personality, since childhood, and at the same time his studies, but something that few know, Harald's pronunciation of the Norwegian language was American.
The Norwegian monarchy will remain strong ;
The kingdom in Norway has been intertwined with the Norwegian people since the period of Christianization. It has certainly been conquered at times by the Danes and at times by the Swedes.
It only gained its independence in 1905.
The king is a national and unifying symbol for the country.
So in my humble opinion, it will remain strong, even though the dynasty is facing problems with justice.
What was his relationship with Greece and Hellenism in general?
The two royal houses, of Greece and Norway, descend from the royal house of Denmark, and specifically from King Christian IX, known as the "father-in-law of Europe," and at the same time descendants of Queen Victoria of England. Genealogically, they are fourth cousins. We should also mention that the late Norwegian king, as well as the late King Constantine, had a common love, the sea and sailing. Both were accomplished sailors, each representing his country in the Olympic Games. They were also honorary presidents of the International Sailing Federation.
Also, the then Crown Prince Harald had attended the weddings of the Greek kings Constantine and Anna Maria as one of the best men who exchanged the wedding crowns on the heads of the newlyweds.
Therefore, the relationship between the two rulers, in addition to being genealogical and kinship, was also friendly and closely connected.
What are the biggest challenges that his successor inherits?
The current king is undoubtedly a young man of his generation, who, in my personal opinion, understands the modern spirit of the institution, which he institutionally embodies.
However, he will have to manage the scandals of his house, which have upset public opinion.
What do you think is the most important legacy that King Harald leaves behind for Norway?
He has bequeathed to the Norwegian people unity and directness with them. His attitude towards the political life of the country should also be appreciated, without creating problems.
Another important legacy he left to his subjects is the historicity of the royal institution through his status as supreme ruler. The Kingdom of Norway is organic, although it was conquered at times by Denmark and at times by Sweden.
