Queen Sonja Turns 78 Today

Sonja Haraldsen was born in Oslo on July 4, 1937 and her parents were Karl August Haraldsen and Dagny Ulrichsen. She completed her studies in Oslo and received her diploma in dressmaking and tailoring. She then moved to Lausanne, Switzerland where she obtained a diploma in accounting, fashion design, and social science. Sonja then returned to Oslo and continued her studies and received an undergraduate degree in French, English and Art History from the University of Oslo.

In March 1968, Sonja Haraldsen got engaged to then Crown Prince Harald after the couple had dated for nine years. Five months later, the couple married in Oslo. Upon marriage, she was given the style Royal Highness and the title of Crown Princess of Norway. Right after the wedding, Crown Princess Sonja became very active in Norway and representing the country abroad.

On January 17, 1991, after the death of King Olav V, Crown Princess Sonja became the first Queen Consort in 53 years in Norway. She also accompanied her husband King Harald V when he swore his oath to uphold the Constitution, it was the first time in 69 years that a Queen was present.

King Harald and Queen Sonja have 2 children together, Her Highness Princess Märtha Louise and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon Magnus.

Filed under Norway
Tagged Birthday, Queen Sonja of Norway.

4 Responses to Queen Sonja Turns 78 Today