Prince Alexander Edward Christian Frederik arrived at Appleton House in 1903 as the only child of Prince Carl and Princess Maud. Following his father's 1905 election as King Haakon VII, he was renamed Olav and raised in Norway to secure the continuity of the monarchy, becoming the first royal heir to reside there since the Middle Ages.
Military Education and Athletics
Olav completed his military training at the Norwegian Military Academy in 1924, placing fourth in his class. He furthered his studies in jurisprudence and economics at Balliol College, Oxford. An accomplished athlete, he secured a gold medal in sailing at the 1928 Amsterdam Summer Olympics and frequently competed on the Holmenkollen ski jump in Oslo.
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Appointed admiral of the Royal Norwegian Navy and general of the Norwegian Army in 1939, Olav emerged as a critical figure during the German occupation of Norway. After retreating to the United Kingdom with the government-in-exile, he served as a senior advisor. In 1944, he accepted the role of Chief of Defence of Norway, overseeing the disarmament of German forces before returning to Oslo in May 1945.
Accession and Reign
Following the 1955 injury of his father, Olav served as regent until Haakon VII died in September 1957. Ascending the throne as Olav V, he maintained a reputation for accessibility, often driving his own vehicles in public traffic. He remained active in his duties until his death in 1991 at The Royal Lodge, Holmenkollen, and was interred at Akershus Fortress.
Fast facts
- Born: 1903, Appleton House
- Died: 1991, The Royal Lodge, Holmenkollen
- Reign: 1957-1991
- Chief of Defence: 1944-1945
- Education: Balliol College; Norwegian Military Academy
- Awards: Nansen Refugee Award (1961); Gold Olympic Order (1981)
- Burial site: Akershus Fortress
- Religion: Church of Norway
Questions readers ask
Why was he called the People's King?
Olav V earned the nickname Folkekongen due to his down-to-earth style and common interactions with the public, such as driving his own car.
Did he have military experience?
Yes, he was a trained officer who held the rank of admiral and served as the Norwegian Chief of Defence during the final year of World War II.
Achievements
- Monarch of Norway (1957–1991)
- Chief of Defence of Norway (1944–1945)
- Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
- Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece
- Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath — 1946
- Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order
- Educated at Balliol College and Norwegian Military Academy
