Crown Prince Haakon’s Day
Crown Prince Haakon’s Day is a nationwide holiday observed in Norway on the 20th of July each year. Although it’s celebrated all across the country, it’s not a public holiday; therefore, businesses keep their normal hours of operation. This day commemorates the birthday of H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon, who was born on this day in 1973.
Norway (Flag day)The Crown Prince is the son of H.M. King Harald V and H.M. Queen Sonja. His wife is H.R.H. Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and together they have a daughter who is second in line to the throne. Their daughter is named Princess Ingrid Alexandra.
A Short Biography of Crown Prince Haakon
Crown Prince Haakon was born at the National Hospital in St. Hanshaugen, Oslo, on July 20, 1973. When he was born, he was named Haakon Magnus, but he goes by the name Haakon. His name honors his paternal great-grandfather, King Haakon VII, and his maternal uncle, Haakon Haraldsen.
Haakon graduated from the Norwegian Naval Academy in 1995 and served in the Royal Norwegian Navy. He also attended the University of California, Berkeley, in 1999 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. After attending lectures at the University of Oslo, he completed his education at the London School of Economics in 2003. There he received a Master of Science degree in Development Studies, with a specialty in international trade and Africa.
Haakon married commoner Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby on August 24, 2001, at Oslo Cathedral. They have two children together: Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway and Prince Sverre Magnus. Haakon is also the stepfather to Mette-Marit’s son from a previous marriage, Marius Borg Høiby.
Observing Crown Prince Haakon’s Day
As stated earlier, this is not a public holiday. It is mainly observed with a few official birthday celebrations for the Crown Prince and with the raising of the flag of Norway. It’s a day for citizens to wish the Crown Prince a happy birthday.
Norway (Flag day)
