Queen Sonja’s 75th Birthday

Today, Queen Sonja celebrates her 75th birthday.

She was born as Sonja Haraldsen on July 4th, 1937. She grew up in the district of Vinderen in Oslo as the youngest child of Karl August and Dagny Haraldsen.

She met Crown Prince Harald in 1959. The couple had to wait 9 years until King Olav had given his consent for the Crown Prince to marry a commoner, after the Crown Prince had made clear, that he would remain unmarried for life if he wasn’t allowed to marry her. The couple married in Oslo Cathedral on August 29th, 1968, and Miss Sonja Haraldsen became the Crown Princess of Norway. The Norwegian people immediately accepted her as a member of the Royal Family.

When Crown Prince Harald ascended to the throne on January 21st, 1991, Crown Princess Sonja became Norway’s first Queen in 53 years.

Queen Sonja carries out many different tasks including travelling, official visits, participation at events all over the country, audiences, receptions and meetings at the Royal Palace. She is also involved in many engagements that deal with social issues. Queen Sonja shows a great interest for visual art, culture and music, which she combines with her duties as Norway’s First Lady.

King Harald and Queen Sonja have two children, Princess Märtha Louise and Crown Prince Haakon.

As King Harald turned 75 this year as well, they have celebrated both their birthdays together with the Norwegian people on May 31st. Therefore, Queen Sonja will only have a private celebration today.

Filed under Norway
Tagged Biography, Birthday, Queen Sonja of Norway.

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