Crown Prince Haakon’s Day is observed in Norway on July 20 each year as a nationwide holiday. It’s a day that commemorates the birthday of H.R.H Crown Prince Haakon, the heir apparent to the Norwegian throne. At his birth, the Crown Prince was named Haakon Magnus, but he goes by the name Haakon. He was named in honor of his uncle on his mother’s side, Haakon Haraldsen, and his paternal great-grandfather, King Haakon VII. Crown Prince Haakon graduated from the Norwegian Naval Academy in 1995 and went on to serve in the Royal Norwegian Navy. In 1999, he attended the University of California in Berkley and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. The Crown Prince attended lectures at the University of Oslo, he then completed his education at the London School of Economics in 2004. He graduated with a master of Science degree in Development Studies, specializing in internal trade and Africa.
He has two children with his wife Mette-Marit — Prince Sverre Magnus and Princess Ingrid Alexandra. He is also the stepfather to Marius Borg Hoiby, his wife’s son from a previous marriage.
History of Crown Prince Haakon's Day
The history of the Norwegian monarchy goes back more than one thousand years. The first Norwegian king, Harald Fairhair, united the petty kingships of Norway into a single realm around 885. From the time of Harald Fairhair’s rule until today, Norway has had more than 60 named sovereigns. The current King comes from the House of Glücksburg, which has ruled Norway since 1905.
Even though Norway’s history spans millennia, the country’s independence is relatively recent. Norway and Denmark were united under a single monarchy in 1380. Norway, on the other hand, had a minor role in the union and came under increasing Danish domination.
This union with Denmark was dissolved in 1814 during the Napoleonic Wars. Norway regained its independence and drafted a constitution for a brief period.
Norway, however, was obliged to join Sweden only a few months later. Norway remained an autonomous country at this time, although it shared a king and a foreign policy with Sweden.
In 1905, the union of Norway and Sweden was dissolved. This was because Norway had no foreign service missions and was completely dependent on Sweden in all aspects of foreign affairs. Norway’s smaller involvement in the union was represented by this.
The Storting — Norwegian national assembly — agreed to establish a consular service for Norway, but King Oscar II refused to approve it. As a result, the Norwegian government resigned. Because the King was unable to appoint a new government, the two countries’ union under a common king was no longer lawful. Norway chose King Haakon VII as its ruler once the union was disbanded.
Crown Prince Haakon's Day timeline
Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trygve Lie, becomes the first U.N. Secretary-General.
Norway donates a Christmas tree to the U.K. as a token of gratitude for their support during the Second World War.
On July 20, Crown Prince Haakon is born at National Hospital in St. Hanshaugen in Oslo.
Haakon marries Mette-Marit Tjessem Hoiby at Oslo Cathedral.
Crown Prince Haakon's Day FAQs
Is Crown Prince Haakon's Day a national holiday?
It is not a public holiday, so businesses keep their normal hours of operation.
What job does the Crown Prince do?
He undertakes various public ceremonial functions.
Does Crown Prince Haakon have siblings?
Crown Prince Haakon has one older sister, Princess Märtha Louise.
Crown Prince Haakon's Day Activities
Send your birthday wishes
Why not wish the Crown Prince a happy birthday? Post your message on your favorite social media network so others can get to know about it as well.
Eat some Norwegian food
Indulge in some Norwegian traditional delights on this day. Whether it's ‘rømmegrøt’ (sour cream porridge), ‘raspeball’ (potato dumplings), or ‘pinnekjøtt’ (dried lamb ribs), your tastebuds will be left craving more.
Travel to Norway
If you can, head over to Norway for a vacation. There are lots of natural wonders to enjoy such as numerous snowcapped mountain peaks, deep fjords, and Northern lights.
5 Facts About Norway
Realm of the polar bears
In Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago, the population of polar bears exceeds that of humans.
Never setting sun
In June as the summer solstice approaches, the sun doesn’t set at all in some places like the northern city of Tromsø.
Norway's knighted penguin
King Penguin Sir Nils Olav was knighted in 2008 at the Edinburgh Zoo.
No dying here
In Svalbard, dead bodies must be shipped back to the mainland for burial because of permafrost.
Masters of winter sports
Norway has the most medals of any country for the winter Olympics.
Why We Love Crown Prince Haakon's Day
It's a happy day
Crown Prince Haakon's Day is full of joy. We celebrate the Prince's health and achievements.
There are lots to learn
This holiday calls our attention to Norway and its rich history. We also learn about Norwegian culture and way of life.
We eat cake
Birthdays are perfect for eating cake, whether the celebrant is related to you or not. On this day we get to eat as much cake as we want in Prince Haakon's honor.
Crown Prince Haakon's Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 20 | Sunday |
| 2026 | July 20 | Monday |
| 2027 | July 20 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | July 20 | Thursday |
| 2029 | July 20 | Friday |
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