This statement illustrates the depth of the relationship between the King and the Norwegian Armed Forces. King Harald's deep obligation to uphold his commitment lasted his entire life.

Military education and field experience

King Harald began his military service at the Cadet College for Cavalry Officers in Trandum in 1956, and graduated from the Norwegian Military Academy in 1959. He made a number of good friends during those years, and actively maintained those friendships for the rest of his life. The King was a cavalryman at heart.

He participated regularly in military exercises, and enjoyed being out in the field together with officers and soldiers. His close relationship to His Majesty The King's Guard was evident in the great number of inspections and visits he carried out.

Close ties

Norway has a long tradition of close ties between the Head of State and the Armed Forces. The monarch is always accompanied by an aide-de-camp from one of the branches of the military, and conducts regular audiences with the Chief of Defence and the heads of various Armed Forces departments. King Harald followed this tradition as well.

In addition to the regular meetings, King Harald attended key ceremonies and commemorative activities organised by the Armed Forces. On a number of occasions, he was the one who awarded the War Cross, Norway's highest decoration. He was present without fail at Akershus Fortress every 8 May to mark Liberation and Veteran's Day, and laid a wreath at the National Monument. For many years, father and son carried this out together.

King Harald also visited the Cold Response military exercise on several occasions. Norway is the host for this important exercise, which enables troops from Allied and other partners to train on joint operations under harsh winter conditions.

His Majesty The King's Guard has permanent guard duty at the Royal Palace, Bygdø Royal Farm and Skaugum Estate. The Guard also has guard duty when the Royal Family visits Stiftsgården in Trondheim.

King Harald used the Royal Yacht, Norge, a number of times each year, including as his base during many of his traditional county visits. The Royal Norwegian Navy is responsible for the crew and operation of the Royal Yacht.

Long line of tradition

King Harald was part of a long line of tradition extending back to King Haakon VII – and forward to King Haakon VIII and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra. King Haakon is a naval officer trained at the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy at Haakonsvern Naval Base in Bergen. The Crown Princess completed her initial national service in the Engineer Battalion at Skjold Camp in the North Brigade.

King Haakon VII was a trained naval officer, and was in active service before he was elected to be King of Norway in 1905. During his time in exile in London during World War II, he was virtually always seen wearing his uniform, and he carried the Norwegian Constitution in an inner breast pocket throughout the war. King Olav V was trained at the Royal Norwegian Military Academy, and served among other things as Chief of Defence during parts of World War II.

Cared about veterans and living witnesses

King Harald met war veterans, wartime sailors and resistance fighters on many occasions.

In connection with the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, King Harald unveiled the National Veterans' Monument at Akershus Fortress. The monument honours all personnel who have served in international organisations after 1945.

In 2025, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, King Harald and then Crown Prince Harald took part in a large event in Trandum Forest, which was used as a place of execution for resistance fighters during World War II. King Harald honoured the memory of the many young men who sacrificed their lives: