# Haakon VII of Norway

> King of Norway from 1905 to 1957 (1872–1957)

**Wikidata**: [Q154927](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q154927)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haakon_VII)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/haakon-vii-of-norway

## Summary
Haakon VII of Norway was a Danish-born monarch who reigned as the King of Norway from 1905 until his death in 1957, playing a pivotal role in establishing Norway's modern sovereignty and leading the nation through World War II. Born Prince Carl of Denmark, he was elected to the Norwegian throne following the dissolution of the union with Sweden, becoming the first monarch of the independent Kingdom of Norway in the 20th century. His reign is defined by his steadfast leadership during the German occupation, his refusal to collaborate with Nazi forces, and his receipt of numerous international honors for his service to Norway and the Allied cause.

## Biography
- **Born**: August 3, 1872 (Prince Christian Frederik Carl Georg Valdemar Axel of Denmark)
- **Nationality**: Norwegian (formerly Danish)
- **Education**: Royal Danish Naval Academy (implied by naval career context in source "educated_at: Q3378559" though specific degree not listed, he was educated for naval service)
- **Known for**: Serving as the first King of independent Norway (1905–1957) and leading the Norwegian resistance during World War II.
- **Employer(s)**: Kingdom of Norway (as Head of State); Royal Danish Navy (prior to 1905)
- **Field(s)**: Monarchy, State Leadership, Naval Service

## Contributions
Haakon VII's primary contribution was the establishment and stabilization of the modern Norwegian monarchy following the country's independence.
- **Establishment of the Norwegian Monarchy (1905)**: Elected by the Storting and accepted the throne, transitioning Norway from a union with Sweden to a fully independent constitutional monarchy.
- **Leadership During World War II (1940–1945)**: Refused to appoint a Nazi puppet government, choosing exile in London instead, which galvanized Norwegian resistance and maintained the legitimacy of the Norwegian government-in-exile.
- **Symbol of National Unity**: His presence and refusal to collaborate with the German occupiers became a central symbol of Norwegian sovereignty and resistance, preventing the collapse of the state's legal continuity.
- **Diplomatic Recognition**: Facilitated the diplomatic recognition of Norway's independence on October 26, 1905, solidifying the nation's status on the world stage.
- **Post-War Reconstruction**: Returned to Norway in 1945 to oversee the transition from occupation to peace, receiving the King Haakon VII Freedom Cross (inception: 1945-05-18) and other honors for his wartime leadership.

## FAQs
**What was Haakon VII's original name and nationality before becoming King of Norway?**
He was born Prince Christian Frederik Carl Georg Valdemar Axel of Denmark, making him a member of the Danish royal family before his election to the Norwegian throne. He was a Danish prince by birth who renounced his Danish succession rights to become the King of Norway.

**How long did Haakon VII reign as King of Norway?**
His reign lasted from 1905, when he was elected King, until his death on September 21, 1957, spanning 52 years. This period covered the entirety of Norway's existence as an independent kingdom in the 20th century up to that point.

**What role did Haakon VII play during World War II?**
During the German invasion in 1940, he refused to accept the demands of the occupiers to appoint a collaborationist government, leading to his exile in London. His steadfast refusal to compromise with the Nazis preserved the legitimacy of the Norwegian government and inspired the resistance movement.

**Which major awards and honors did Haakon VII receive?**
He received a vast array of international decorations, including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour (France), the Order of the Garter (United Kingdom), the Order of the Elephant (Denmark), and the War Cross (Norway). He was also awarded the Holmenkollen Medal and the Royal Victorian Chain.

**When and how did Haakon VII die?**
He died on September 21, 1957, at the age of 85, ending a reign that began in 1905. He was succeeded by his son, Olav V, and is buried in the Royal Mausoleum at Akershus Fortress in Oslo.

## Why They Matter
Haakon VII is fundamental to the identity of modern Norway, as his election in 1905 marked the definitive end of centuries of union with Sweden and the beginning of Norway's independent statehood. His leadership during World War II was critical; by refusing to legitimize the Nazi occupation, he ensured that the Norwegian state remained legally intact and that the resistance movement had a unifying figurehead. Without his refusal to collaborate, Norway might have lost its sovereignty or been fully absorbed into the Third Reich's administrative structure. His reign established the House of Glücksburg as the Norwegian royal dynasty, providing a continuous line of monarchy that connects the modern nation to its historical roots. His legacy is one of resilience, constitutional integrity, and national unity, serving as the bedrock upon which contemporary Norwegian democracy and national pride are built.

## Notable For
- **First King of Independent Norway**: The inaugural monarch of the Kingdom of Norway following the dissolution of the union with Sweden in 1905.
- **Wartime Resistance Leader**: The only European monarch to refuse to collaborate with Nazi Germany during World War II, choosing exile over capitulation.
- **Recipient of the War Cross**: Awarded Norway's highest military honor, the War Cross, for his leadership during the war.
- **Holder of the Order of the Garter**: One of the few foreign monarchs to receive this prestigious British order of chivalry.
- **Recipient of the Royal Victorian Chain**: Awarded by the British monarch, signifying a personal bond with the Royal Family.
- **Longest Reigning Modern Norwegian Monarch**: Reigned for 52 years (1905–1957), the longest of any Norwegian monarch in the modern era.
- **Recipient of the Holmenkollen Medal**: Recognized for his contributions to Norwegian culture and society, including winter sports.
- **Bearer of the Order of the Black Eagle**: A high honor from the Kingdom of Prussia, reflecting his Danish royal lineage.
- **Recipient of the Croix de Guerre**: Awarded by France for his military leadership and alliance during World War II.
- **Founder of the Haakon VII 70th Anniversary Medal**: A Norwegian military decoration established in 1942 to commemorate his 70th birthday.

## Body

### Early Life and Royal Lineage
Haakon VII was born on August 3, 1872, as Prince Christian Frederik Carl Georg Valdemar Axel of Denmark. He was a member of the House of Glücksburg, a branch of the Danish royal family. Before ascending to the Norwegian throne, he was known as Prince Carl of Denmark. His education prepared him for a naval career, and he served in the Royal Danish Navy. His lineage connected him to various European royal houses, which later facilitated his diplomatic relations with other monarchies.

### Election and Coronation as King of Norway
In 1905, the union between Sweden and Norway was dissolved. The Norwegian Storting (parliament) elected Prince Carl of Denmark as the new King of Norway. He accepted the throne on the condition that a referendum confirmed the people's will, which resulted in a decisive vote in favor of a monarchy. He adopted the name Haakon VII, linking his reign to the historical kings of Norway. His coronation and the formal establishment of the Kingdom of Norway occurred in 1905, with diplomatic recognition granted on October 26, 1905. This event marked the birth of the modern Norwegian state.

### Reign and Domestic Policy
Haakon VII's reign was characterized by a constitutional monarchy where the King acted as a symbol of national unity rather than an absolute ruler. He worked closely with the Storting and the government to navigate Norway through periods of industrialization and social change. His presence helped stabilize the new nation, fostering a sense of national identity distinct from its Swedish past. He was known for his modesty and dedication to his duties, often visiting remote parts of the country to connect with his subjects.

### World War II and Exile
The most defining period of Haakon VII's reign was World War II. On April 9, 1940, Germany invaded Norway. The German forces demanded that Haakon VII appoint Vidkun Quisling, a Norwegian fascist, as the head of a new government. Haakon VII famously refused, stating that he would abdicate if forced to appoint a government that did not have the confidence of the people. This refusal led to his exile in London, where he established a government-in-exile. From London, he broadcast messages of hope and resistance to the Norwegian people, becoming a powerful symbol of defiance against the Nazi occupation. His leadership ensured that the Norwegian government remained legitimate in the eyes of the Allied powers.

### Post-War Return and Legacy
Following the liberation of Norway in 1945, Haakon VII returned to Oslo in a triumphant procession. His return was a moment of immense national celebration and relief. He continued to serve as King until his death in 1957. In recognition of his wartime leadership, he was awarded the War Cross and the King Haakon VII Freedom Cross. He also received the King Haakon VII Commemorative Medal, established in 1957 to honor his memory. His death on September 21, 1957, marked the end of an era, and he was succeeded by his son, Olav V. He is buried in the Royal Mausoleum at Akershus Fortress in Oslo.

### Awards and Honors
Haakon VII received a vast number of awards from Norway and other nations, reflecting his international stature and the respect he commanded.
- **Norwegian Awards**: He was awarded the War Cross, the Holmenkollen Medal, the Medal for Outstanding Civic Service, the King Haakon VII 70th Anniversary Medal, and the Royal Family Decoration of King Haakon VII.
- **British Awards**: He received the Order of the Garter, the Royal Victorian Chain, the Royal Victorian Order, and the Order of Saint John. He was also awarded the King Edward VII Coronation Medal.
- **French Awards**: He was a recipient of the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the Croix de Guerre, and the Médaille militaire.
- **Danish Awards**: He was awarded the Order of the Elephant and the Order of the Dannebrog.
- **German/Prussian Awards**: He received the Order of the Black Eagle and the Order of the Red Eagle.
- **Russian Awards**: He was honored with the Order of St. Andrew and the Order of the White Eagle (military decoration of the Russian Empire).
- **Other International Awards**: He received the Order of the White Eagle (Polish), the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum (Japan), the Royal Order of the Seraphim (Sweden), the Order of the Redeemer (Greece), the Order of the Sun of Peru, the Order of the Royal House of Chakri (Thailand), the Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria, the Order of Christ (Portugal), the Order of Solomon (Ethiopia), the War Cross (Greek), the Military Order of the Tower and Sword (Portugal), the Order of the Southern Cross (Brazil), the Order of the Falcon (Iceland), the Czechoslovak War Cross 1939–1945, the Military Order of Saint James of the Sword (Portugal), the Order of Aviz (Portugal), the Order of the Netherlands Lion, the Order of Carol I (Romania), and the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

### Geographical and Cultural Legacy
Haakon VII's name is associated with several geographical features and cultural entities. The King Haakon VII Sea is a body of water named in his honor. Haakon VII Land is a land area in the northwestern part of Spitsbergen, Svalbard. The King Haakon VII Freedom Cross is a Norwegian military decoration established in 1945. The Haakon VII 70th Anniversary Medal was created in 1942 to celebrate his birthday. The King Haakon VII Commemorative Medal was established in 1957 to honor his memory. These names and awards serve as enduring reminders of his impact on Norwegian geography and culture.

### Personal Details and Identifiers
Haakon VII's full name was Prince Christian Frederik Carl Georg Valdemar Axel of Denmark. He was born on August 3, 1872, and died on September 21, 1957. His reign lasted from 1905 to 1957. He was a member of the House of Glücksburg. His citizenship was Norwegian (and previously Danish). He was educated at the Royal Danish Naval Academy. His occupation was King of Norway and previously a naval officer. He was a human, a monarch, and an aristocrat. His Wikipedia title is "Haakon VII". He has a Wikidata ID of Q235492. His image is available as "Haakon VII FSA.jpg" and "Haakon7.jpg". His coat of arms is the "Greater royal coat of arms of Norway.svg". His royal monogram is "Royal Monogram of King Haakon VII of Norway.svg". His national motto was "Alt for Norge" (Everything for Norway). He is buried in the "Det kongelige mausoleum" (Royal Mausoleum).

## References

1. [Source](http://www.royalcourt.no/artikkel.html?tid=28678)
2. Haakon VII of Norway. Anne Frank Knowledge Base
3. Integrated Authority File
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