Happy 80th Birthday, King Harald!

This is King Harald V, the King of Norway. Today is his 80th birthday, and you can send him your best wishes in the official Royal Protocol! (http://www.kongehuset.no/protokoll.html?tid=140920&sek=26939)

He's a pretty awesome dude all round. Just thought I'd educate you!

He more or less grew up in the White House, as the Norwegian government was exiled during the WW2 occupation. His father had to stay in London to organise the Norwegian war efforts, while Harald, his mother and sisters were taken under the wings of Eleanor Roosevelt.

One of the notable events he remembers from that time is standing behind Franklin D. Roosevelt when he was sworn in for his fourth term on the South Portico of the White House in 1945.

As king, he is the commander in chief for all military forces in Norway.

He started his military service as a regular private with the Norwegian cavalry's officer school, before qualifying for the Norwegian Military Academy. He then served as second-in-command of the cavalry school.

After serving, he went to Balliol College, Oxford, to study Social Sciences, History, and Economy.

He's won Gold, Silver, and Bronze in the world sailing championships (1-tonner). He's also a three time Olympian, representing Norway in sailing. Unlike his father, he did not win any Olympic medals, shaming the family greatly.

He's an avid humanitarian and a uniting symbol for most Norwegians, even the republicans. The latter means something else in a constitutional, parliamentary, elected monarchy entirely.

Although not allowed to take partisan views, he has found a platform promoting human rights and a society built on equality and solidarity.

I think everyone should listen to his speech on "what it means to be Norwegian". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQtLxYde-rw

He threatened to relinquish his royal title if he couldn't marry the love of his life, the commoner Sonja Haraldsen(!). Fortunately, he didn't have to, and they still live happily. They have two children, Crown Prince Haakon, and Princess Märtha Louise.

His son took it one step further and threatened to relinquish his rights to the throne if he could not marry a single mother of one, which probably wasn't a threat at all, considering what a cool guy Harald is.

This unfortunately inspired "The Prince and Me" with sequels. For which they are sorry.

And their grand children. The girl standing in the middle, Ingrid Alexandra, is heir-apparent to the throne, the future Queen of Norway. She will be the first firstborn daughter to accept the throne as Queen, after a fairly recent change in the constitution.

A little known benefit of being the King of Norway, is that you are also the King of Trolls.