January 17 marks a very special day in the King's life. There is 25 years since his father, King Olav, died, and also 25 years since he started his life as king.
''One of my most important milestones was laid in 1991. When my father, King Olav V, passed away in the night of January 17, 1991, my reign began. In the dark January night nearly 25 years ago, the Palace Square was filled with light. People came from near and far to commemorate a beloved king'' King Harald said in his New Year speech 2015.
The people's King
''When King Harald was born, he was the first prince born in Norway in 567 years. He grew up at Skaugum, and spent the war years in the United States and began at the regular elementary school when he returned to Norway. He grew up to be a king of the people.
Harald V is the new People's King - and he has in a very good way viewed our Norwegian common values. He is a unifying figure for the people and the nation, and I think he has in many ways evolved to be a moral guide for his people, says Totland.
They have made made the monarchy modern
Unlike previous kings, Harald has reigned together with his Queen. King Olav was a widower when he reigned, while Queen Maud remained in the background when King Haakon sat on the throne.
''Together Harald and Sonja has modernized the Norwegian monarchy - and brought it closer to the people. Among other things, the monarchy is far less male and militarily dominated than before. A clear sign of this is that the royal couple in 2015 employed Europe's first female hofmarschall - without military background'', says Totland.
An important symbol
''Harald has been a role model and symbol for Norway ever since he became king in 1991. He has spoken to the people both in good and bad times, and will probably be remembered especially for the touching way he met the Norwegian people after the terrorist attack on 22 July 2011.
He has not been king in times of war - but he has ruled during major crises.
In Oslo spectrum he spoke tearfully to us all - "not only as king of the land, but also as a father, husband and grandfather." I think many with me will always carry this moment. The King who mourned and wept with us - and became a symbol just as his father and grandfather were there during the war'', says Totland.
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