The Norwegian flag
The Norwegian flag was adopted as a merchant flag in 1821, initially only on short journeys; from 1898 nwards, it has been in universal use. When the union with Sweden was dissolved in 1905, it was also dopted as the national flag, and as the naval flag in the form of a bifoliate pennant. The law of 1898 laid down that the flag was to be “a deep red flag with a dark blue cross framed by a white border, and divided into four rectangular squares.” The royal flag is the oldest known flag in Norway, going back to the fourteenth century. It displays the golden lion of the royal coat of arms on a rectangular red field. From 1905 onwards, it has been reserved exclusively to the King. The Crown Prince’s flag is the royal flag in the form of a pennant.
Norway’s King
His Majesty King Harald V was born on 21 February 19 3 7 and ascended the throne on the death of his father, King Olav V, on 17 January 1991. He was blessed as King of Norway in the cathedral of Nidaros on 23 June 1991, together with Her Majesty Queen Sonja. He took the same motto as his father: “All for Norway.” King Harald became Crown Prince when his grandfather, King Haakon VII, died in 1957. He studied at the Military Officers’ Academy and the National Military Academy, and was appointed in 1977 General in the Army, Admiral in the Navy and General in the Air Force. The King belongs to the world sailing elite. He participated in the Olympic Games in 1964, 1968 and 1972, and won the World Championship for one-tanners in 1987.
Man and natue Fotographs by Bård Løken
From Hardanger fjord: fish-farming is an important industry in Norway
