Princess Anne's role in King Haakon VIII's journey to throne

The Princess Royal has a long-standing personal link to Norway’s new King Haakon VIII.

Haakon became Norway’s new monarch on August 28 following the death of his father, King Harald, who died at dawn at the age of 89.

Her connection with Haakon dates back to his christening in 1973. 

She was named among his godparents, reflecting the close family ties that have long existed between the British and Norwegian royal families.

The future king was christened on September 20, 1973, at the chapel of Oslo’s Royal Palace, just months after his birth. 

At the time, he was second in line to the Norwegian throne, behind his father, Crown Prince Harald.

His godparents included his grandfather, King Olav V, who was Norway’s reigning monarch at the time, as well as Princess Astrid of Norway, King Harald’s sister. 

Queen Margrethe of Denmark was also among those chosen for the significant role.