Queen of Norway Sonja

Norwegian royalty who has been Queen of Norway since 17 January 1991 as the wife of King Harald V. She is known for her interest in music, art, and culture, having founded the Queen Sonja International Music Competition and the Queen Sonja Print Award.

She is also a graphic artist and ceramicist, with many of her works being featured in exhibitions across Norway and other countries. As queen, Sonja holds patronage with up to fifteen organisations. She has moreover served as Vice President of the Norwegian Red Cross, from 1987 to 1990.

Sonja and the then Crown Prince Harald had dated for nine years prior to their marriage in 1968. They had kept their relationship a secret due to the controversy of Sonja's status as a commoner. Harald had told his father, King Olav V, that he would remain unmarried if his father did not grant consent to marry Sonja.

Sonja and Harald married on 29 August 1968. They became King and Queen in 1991 upon the passing of King Olav. On 23 June 1991 the royal couple were consecrated in the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.