- Categories:
- Cultural
- Tags:
- AppreciationBirthdaysHistorical
- Where:
- Norway
- Date change rule:
- Every July 20
- Holiday emoji:
- 👑
Crown Prince Haakon’s Day is observed every July 20 in Norway, commemorating the birthday of H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon, the heir apparent to the Norwegian throne. Learn about his dedicated service, academic achievements, and family life. Discover ways to acknowledge this significant day for the Norwegian royal family and its people.
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Expected Crown Prince Haakon's Day Deals
As a day of national recognition rather than commercial sales, Crown Prince Haakon’s Day typically doesn’t feature widespread retail promotions. However, institutions and cultural organizations may offer special events or educational programs. For instance, the Royal Court of Norway might share archival photos or videos, while Norwegian cultural centers abroad could host celebratory gatherings. Businesses with ties to Norway, such as Norwegian Air Shuttle or specialty food importers, might highlight their connection to the country. We will update this page with confirmed live events as July 20 approaches, encouraging participation in cultural activities and appreciation for the Crown Prince’s role.
Platform Guide for Crown Prince Haakon's Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #CrownPrinceHaakonsDay. Share photos of Norwegian flags, traditional celebrations, or personal messages of well wishes.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #CrownPrinceHaakonsDay. Tweet facts about the Crown Prince’s life or Norway’s royal history.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #CrownPrinceHaakonsDay. Share articles about the Norwegian royal family or cultural traditions.
Crown Prince Haakon's Day Hero
Crown Prince Haakon
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.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Crown Prince Haakon's Day
Local businesses in Norway can acknowledge Crown Prince Haakon’s Day by displaying the Norwegian flag or subtle royal imagery. Cultural institutions might host special exhibitions or lectures on Norwegian history and the monarchy. Restaurants could feature traditional Norwegian dishes, while travel agencies might promote trips to Norway, highlighting its rich heritage. It’s an opportunity to celebrate national pride and the continuity of Norwegian traditions.
Crown Prince Haakon's Day FAQs
When is Crown Prince Haakon's Day?
Crown Prince Haakon’s Day 2026 falls on Monday, July 20, a fixed date each year commemorating his birthday. This day is observed across Norway with national pride and recognition for the heir apparent.
What is Crown Prince Haakon's role?
As the heir apparent, Crown Prince Haakon is the future King of Norway. His role involves representing Norway both domestically and internationally, acting as regent in his father’s absence, and engaging in various social and environmental causes.
How popular is the Norwegian monarchy?
The Norwegian monarchy generally enjoys strong public support, with polls often showing high approval ratings for the royal family. This widespread appreciation reflects their role as unifying symbols of the nation and their dedication to public service.
Is Crown Prince Haakon's Day a public holiday?
Crown Prince Haakon’s Day is observed on July 20 each year in Norway. While it is a day of commemoration and national pride, it is not typically designated as a public holiday where businesses or schools close.
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.
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