Profile of the Day: Olav V of Norway

On this day in 1903, Olav V of Norway was born. Nicknamed “the People’s King,” Olav was immensely popular during his reign for his down-to-earth style.

Image: Olav V of Norway / National Library of Norway

The Norwegian monarch was born with the name Alexander Edward Christian Frederik on July 2, 1903 at Appleton House at the royal Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England. He was the only child of Prince Carl of Denmark and Princess Maud, the youngest daughter of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom. When his father was elected king of Norway in 1905, he took the Norwegian name Haakon VII, and gave his son the name Olav. Olav would be the first heir to the throne to be raised in Norway since the Middle Ages.

During World War II, Olav stayed by his father as he resisted German occupation in Norway. While the government was in exile, he became a trusted advisor to the King and was appointed the Norwegian Chief of Defense.

In 1957, Olav succeeded to the throne after the death of his father and enjoyed immense popularity during his rule. He died on January 17, 1991 at the age of 87.

Explore Olav V of Norway’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re connected to the Norwegian monarch.

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