King Harald V’s Day for the year 2023 is celebrated/observed on Tuesday, February 21st. There are until the next observance.
On February 21, Norway commemorates King Harald V’s Day by hoisting flags and toasting to their king. On this day, Harald V, a visionary and unorthodox ruler, was born. To the outside world, he may appear largely reserved. But everyone in Norway recognizes him as a change agent in Norwegian society and politics. Throughout his reign, he has made the monarchy more approachable and relevant to the times. His actions have significantly enhanced journalists’ access to Norway’s royal family. The king even grants newspaper interviews, which is possibly a first for a European monarchy. Even though he is just a figurehead for Norway, King Harald V is not afraid to say what he thinks about politics when he needs to.
📆 When is King Harald V’s Day?
This year, King Harald V’s Day is on February 21st. It is the 3rd Tuesday in February; in 2024, it is on Wednesday.
→ Did you know: Finnmark County in Norway is home to half of the world’s Sami communities.
You can also view all interesting things you didn’t know about and facts about February 21, 2023.
📜 History of King Harald V’s Day
Following the Allied triumph, the royal family returned to Norway to resume their positions in 1945. Harald V succeeded his father, Olav V, as King of Norway when he died in 1991.
Since then, he’s earned a reputation as Norway’s outlier monarch, beloved by his subjects. A royal to the bone but approachable to all, she is reserved but incredibly effective.He is also courageous in things of the heart. Harald V defied royal protocol by marrying for love. The now-Queen Sonja was a commoner, and hence off-limits. At the time, royals were only allowed to marry other royals or nobles.
Norway, like the United Kingdom, is a constitutional monarchy, which means the king has no political authority. He also does not express any political views. King Harald V, on the other hand, is a prominent advocate of L.G.B.T.Q+ rights and religious tolerance. His words have helped Norwegians get through hard times, like when terrorists attacked the country in 2011.
Despite a growing Republican trend that seeks to overthrow the monarchy, King Harald V’s principles and actions keep the monarchy popular in Norway.
☑️ King Harald V’s Day facts
✅ World’s Longest Road Tunnel
The Laerdal Tunnel is the longest in the world, stretching 15 kilometers.
✅ The symbolism of the Sami Parliament
The parliament not only emphasizes Sami problems but is also fashioned like a “lavvo,” the Sami tent.
✅ Nobel Peace Prize
Since 1901, the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded in Oslo.
✨ Things to do on King Harald V’s Day
⚡ Celebrate like the Norwegians
If you happen to be in this wonderful nation, join in the celebrations. People raise flags to commemorate the royal family’s birthdays.
⚡ Learn about Norway
Did you know that skiing was originated by the Norwegians? Or that the country’s populace reads more than any other in the world? Today, brush up on your Norwegian trivia.
⚡ Cook a Norwegian meal
Cook a traditional Norwegian meal today to make King Harold V proud. Consider making Frikl, the Norwegian national meal of mutton and cabbage stew. It’s simple to prepare, filling, and tasty.
📅 King Harald V’s Day Observances
| YEAR | DATE | DAY |
| 2023 | February 21 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | February 21 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | February 21 | Friday |
| 2026 | February 21 | Saturday |
| 2027 | February 21 | Sunday |
See all February holidays, including Appreciation and other Appreciation holidays.
We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about King Harald V’s Day. So be sure to check back soon.