King Harald V 1937-2026

Our beloved king was a faithful train user who on many occasions met employees in the railway family with humor and warmth.

When the Norwegian National Rail Administration marked the opening of the New National Theatre station in Oslo in 1999, King Harald was invited as both guest of honour and interested neighbor. A journalist from the British newspaper The Guardian, who was to do a major story on the Norwegian royal family, had also found his way to the opening.

The journalist had noticed that the king and his family traveled a lot by train, both with the royal carriage and with the airport train, and he highlighted this as a symbol of the royal family’s popularity and presence. In the article, which was titled“Just a Regular Guy”, he therefore wrote “this is not a bicycle monarchy, it is a railway monarchy”.

In April 1940, three-year-old Prince Harald was photographed at Hamar station under dramatic circumstances. Norway had been invaded, and the royal family was on the run. The first part of the journey was by train.

Throughout their long lives, train journeys became more frequent and the occasions more pleasant. The royal couple used the train during the signing ceremony in 1991 and on other trips where this was appropriate. The train trip between Oslo S and Vinstra in connection with the Easter holidays in Sikkilsdalen became an annual tradition.

The last time we saw him use the royal carriage from Oslo Central was on his way to the Easter holidays earlier this year with HM Queen Sonja. He was in good spirits, took the time to greet and talk to those present, and boarded the train despite his poor footing.

In addition to the opening of Nationaltheatret station, King Harald has also shed light on other events in railway history. Among other things, he was responsible for the opening of the Finse Tunnel on the Bergen Line in 1993, the Airport Train in 1998 and the Follo Line in 2022. He also participated in celebrations of Norwegian Railways’ 150th anniversary in 2004 and the Bergen Line’s 100th anniversary in 2009.

We look back with respect, gratitude and fond memories of a king who has meant a lot to our country. Our thoughts go out to the royal family, and we pray for the peace of King Harald’s memory.