Kong Olav holder nyttårstalen 1971 (Foto: NTB / Scanpix)

King Olav and Crown Princess Märtha

King Olav was born at Appleton House in Norfolk, England, on 2 July 1903. He was the son and only child of Prince Carl of Denmark and Princess Maud of Wales. He was two years old in 1905, when his father was elected King of Norway and Prince Alexander was given the name Olav.

In 1929 Crown Prince Olav married his cousin, Princess Märtha of Sweden. They had three children: Princess Ragnhild, Princess Astrid and Prince Harald (the future King Harald V), born in 1937. Crown Princess Märtha passed away 5 April 1954. She never became Queen, but the Bishop of Oslo described her position thus: ”For a long time she has been the queen of our hearts, and this position she will never loose".

Crown Prince Olav acceded to the Throne on 21 September 1957, when King Haakon passed away. He was consecrated for the performance of his royal duties in Nidaros Cathedral on 22 June 1958

King Olav V

2 July 1903 to 17 January 1991. Son of King Haakon VII and Queen Maud. Succeeded his father as king of Norway on 21 September 1957.

Crown Princess Märtha

28 March 1901 to 5 April 1954. Princess of Sweden. Married Crown Prince Olav in Oslo Cathedral on 21 March 1929.

Princess Ragnhild

Princess Ragnhild, Mrs Lorentzen. Born on 9 June 1930. Daughter of King Olav and Crown Princess Märtha. Married Mr Erling Sven Lorentzen in Asker on 15 May 1953.