Happy Birthday to King Harald V of Norway, who turns 87 today! The popular third King of an independent Norwegian Dynasty who grew up in the United States during WWII and has reigned for over three decades, during King Harald’s Reign, the ladies of the Norwegian Royal Family have worn the symbolic insignia of the Royal Family Order of King Harald V!
Termed ‘Kong Harald Vs Husorden’ in Norwegian, the Royal Family Order of Harald V of Norway follows the tradition of Norwegian Royal Family established over three generations, following the traditions inherited from the Danish and British Royal Families. Unlike some other monarchies, the Norwegian Husordens are all suspended from a red ribbon, edged with blue and white, which matches the ribbon of the Order of St. Olav and does not change from Sovereign to Sovereign, though the frames all differ with the recipients.
The Royal Family Order of King Harald V of Norway is a personal distinction given by the King to women in the Royal Family upon their coming of age, while women who marry into the family receive the order on the occasion of their marriage.
Queen Sonja of Norway
Received: 1991
The Portrait of King Harald is framed with rubies and diamonds. Queen Sonja was the most senior recipient of King Harald V’s Husorden, which she has worn solely and not together with the Royal Family Order of her father-in-law, King Olav V.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway
Received: 2001
King Harald’s Portrait is framed with pearls and diamonds, and suspended from a pearl and diamond bow along with the red ribbon, edged with blue and white.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway
Received: 2022
Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s Portrait of King Harald is ringed with sapphires and Diamonds, and was received on her 18th Birthday.
Princess Märtha Louise of Norway
Received: 1991
King Harald’s Portrait is framed in diamonds set with golds.
Princess Astrid of Norway
Received: 1991
The Portrait of King Harald is ringed with Diamonds, with a Gold Crown attaching the portrait to the ribbon, and Princess Astrid wears it with the Family Orders of her father, King Olav V, and grandfather, King Haakon VII.
Princess Ragnhild of Norway
Received: 1991
The late Princess Ragnhild used to primarily wear King Harald’s Portrait by itself, but sometimes wore it her other two Orders on special occasions.
Crown Princess Märtha of Norway
King Harald’s mother, Crown Princess Märtha, usually wore the Royal Family Order of her father-in-law, King Haakon VII, along with eh Portrait Order of her uncle, King Gustav V of Sweden.
Queen Maud of Norway
Similarly, Queen Maud usually wore the Royal Family Order of her husband, King Haakon VII, paired with the Order of Victoria and Albert.
