25 years rule

King Harald 5 of Norway. My king the last twenty-five years. My Norwegian king. My first Norwegian king. I remember it clearly, how I loved Olav and Haakon, but in the end I will always hold the trueborn Norwegian closest to my heart. It is really a bit ridiculous, being so old and so young at the same time. It feels like forever since I was poor and hungry, like I've always been rich and well-fed. Sometimes I can even forget how little time has passed since I was but a territory, to be sold and suppressed at my owners will.

In 1905 my people voted on who they wanted for king, Prince Christian Frederik of Denmark and Iceland were chosen. He and his wife, Princess Maud of Wales and their young son moved to Norway and changed their names accordingly, thus King Haakon 7 and Queen Maud became the first Norwegian king and queen in several hundred years. Maud was my first queen since 1319 who wasn't also queen of Denmark or Sweden. The people loved them. I loved them, they were the symbol of the resistance during the war...

Then there was King Olav 5, popular among the people. He was one of the people, he took the bus and the train, he skied in the Marka and he was generally nice and welcoming. They call him the 'People's King' and he was voted to the 'Norwegian of the Century.

But when his son, my King Harald, was born he was the first norwegian prince born as a norwegian citizen in Norway in 567 years. The first since Olav Håkonsson in 1380. His mother was norwegian born and bred, his wife is norwegian born and bred and his children, his daughter-in-law and his grandchildren are norwegian. Finally.

Finally my king is mine. That was my first thought on the 17. of January 1991, the day King Olav 5 died. I felt bad afterwards, for I loved my King and we were close friends, but I cannot deny that that was my first thought when the TV-sending was interrupted by black words. 'The King is dead', then a minute later 'Long live the King'. And my Harald was king.

That day was twentyfive years ago today, and here I am. Standing outside the Palace, watching the celebrations. Kids of all ages playing in the snow. Skiing, snowboarding, ski jumping, taking the ice slide and generally having fun.

Young Prince Magnus are coming towards me with huge smile on his cute little face. I know his sister wont be to far behind him, and I nearly smile.

"Lukas! Did you see that! I got three meters!" the ten-year-old boy has red cheeks and he is covered in snow after several falls, but who cares? It's winter. I nodded and took his knitted hat, Marius-patterned, to beat off some of the snow.

"I saw, it was good. If you try you'll jump four before the torch relay."

"Are you gonna watch me?" he asked. This time I did smile and reached out a hand to ruffle his hear before giving him his hat.

"Of course, I'll always be there for you," I answered, the last part to his back as he skated back to the slope.

"Is he getting better?" asked a girl suddenly. I nearly started and turned with a smile still on my face to greet my little Princess. The eleven year old girl who would probably rule as my first Norwegian ruling queen ever, my second ruling queen after Margrete, the first Queen of a united Norway and Denmark.

"He is."

"Uncle Lukas?"

"Hm?"

"Could we have a sleepover at your home?" she asked. I looked at her. My future Queen Ingrid. As if I would ever deny her anything.

"Of course, whenever you want, just ask your father first." And when she ran towards her parents and grandparents, that happy smile on her face, and when my king smiled at me, then I knew it was worth it. I turned towards the winter playground, relaxing to the sound of my children laughing. The Nordics would come to dinner, and Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Germany, Greece, Bulgaria, Russia, America, France and Canada.

To many to keep it peaceful, but it did not matter. Not right now. Because right now I will listen to childrens laughter, watch their smiles and their games and I will celebrate my freedom and my King.

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Author's note

Today is, if you haven't already guessed, the Norwegian King and Queens 25th anniversary as monarchs of Norway. The day is celebrated with games outside the Royal Palace where anyone who wants can come and join. The Royal family will be there, as will several star athletes.

No tranlations today, but I will explain the list of countries at the ending. It's basically a list over everyone who has aided the Royal family or who are a part of the extended Royal family. Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Greece, Great Britain and Ireland and Russia has by marriage had ruling families that are related. It's all second cousins, third cousins, first cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws etc.

The Danish and Norwegian part of that family are from northern Germany, while the Swedish is from France. America housed the crownprince's family during the second world war and rulers of Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, Greece, Bulgaria, Sweden, Denmark and Norway has been godparents of Crownprince Haakon Magnus, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus.

And Canada is there because... vikings were the first to visit North America? Eh, at least I didn't forget him, that has to count.