Karl Johan Street and the Royal Palace on Contitution Day. Photo: Fredrik Varfjell / NTB scanpix

The Monarchy Today

Norway is a constitutional monarchy. This means that the King is formally the head of state but that his duties are mainly representative and ceremonial. The legislative and executive powers lie with the country’s elected bodies. When the Constitution states that: “the executive power is vested in the King”, this now means that it is vested in the Government.

The King’s constitutional role

Norway is a constitutional monarchy. His Majesty The King is formally the head of state but his duties are mainly representative and ceremonial.

Consecration

Consecration of the King is a thousand-year-old tradition in Norway. The ceremony is a solemn, ecclesiastical blessing of the King in the performance of his royal duties.

Order of succession

Article 6 of the Constitution stipulates the order of succession to the Throne. Crown Prince Haakon is heir to the throne, followed by Princess Ingrid Alexandra.

State Visits

A state visit is an official visit by one head of state to another. When foreign heads of state make state visits to Norway, they are the guests of The King and Queen.

Official visits abroad

Their Majesties and Their Royal Highnesses represent Norway on official visits abroad, also on occasions other than State visits.

County Visits

The King and Queen and the Crown Prince and Crown Princess try to visit as many places as possible in Norway.

Audiences

The Royal Family conducts many audiences each year. The word ”audience” comes from the Latin word audio “to hear” and means “chance to be heard”.

Royal Patronage

Royal patronage serves to raise public awareness of an organisation or a specific event that supports a worthy cause.

Decorations

Orders and medals are conferred as a reward for outstanding contribution to the greater good of society.