If you’re looking at the Norway royal family tree, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of Vikings and Danish cousins. Honestly, though? It’s much more modern and, frankly, a bit more chaotic than you’d expect from a Scandinavian monarchy.
Right now, in early 2026, the Norwegian throne sits with King Harald V. He’s been there since 1991. He’s 88. He's also the first king born on Norwegian soil in over 500 years, which was a huge deal back when his father, King Olav V, was around.
The House of Glücksburg is the name of the game here. They’re basically the northern branch of a massive European family tree that includes the British royals and the Greeks. But the Norwegian branch has its own vibe. It’s smaller. It feels a bit more "everyday." Or it did, until the recent headlines started hitting.
The Direct Line: From Harald to Ingrid
The succession is pretty straightforward. Norway switched to absolute primogeniture in 1990. Basically, the oldest child gets the crown regardless of if they’re a boy or a girl. But there was a catch—it wasn’t retroactive for anyone born before 1990.
- King Harald V: The current boss.
- Crown Prince Haakon: The heir. He’s 52 and basically runs the show now since Harald’s health has been a bit shaky.
- Princess Ingrid Alexandra: The future queen. She’s 22.
- Prince Sverre Magnus: Haakon’s younger son.
A Quick History Lesson
The Norwegian monarchy is actually pretty new. Like, 1905 new. Before that, Norway was in a union with Sweden. When they split, they didn't have a king of their own, so they literally invited a Danish prince named Carl to come over and take the job. He changed his name to Haakon VII, and that’s how the current line started.
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He was married to Queen Maud, who was the daughter of King Edward VII of the UK. That’s why the British and Norwegian royals are so tight. King Harald and the late Queen Elizabeth II were second cousins. They shared the same great-grandparents.
The Family Members You Hear About
The core "Royal House" is small. It’s the King, the Queen, the Crown Prince, the Crown Princess, and Princess Ingrid Alexandra. Everyone else is just "the royal family." There's a distinction.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit
Her story is kinda legendary. When Haakon announced he was marrying her in 2001, the country went into a bit of a tailspin. She was a single mom with a "colorful" past. But she won everyone over. She’s been open about her health struggles, specifically chronic pulmonary fibrosis, which sometimes keeps her from official duties.
Princess Märtha Louise
The King’s eldest daughter. She’s... a lot. She’s 4th in the line of succession but she stepped away from official duties a few years ago. Why? Mostly because of her business ventures and her marriage to Durek Verrett, an American shaman.
The drama here is real. People in Norway are pretty skeptical of the "shaman" thing. They recently got married in August 2024 in a massive, four-day wedding in Geiranger. It was a whole production, complete with a Netflix documentary deal that ruffled some feathers at the palace. She keeps her title, but she can't use it to sell stuff.
The Marius Situation
This is the big cloud hanging over the palace in 2026. Marius Borg Høiby is Mette-Marit’s son from before she met Haakon. He’s not a prince. He’s not in the line of succession. But he grew up in the palace.
Right now, he’s facing a massive legal battle. We’re talking over 30 criminal charges, ranging from domestic violence to drug-related offenses. His trial is literally happening right now (February/March 2026). It’s been a PR nightmare for the monarchy. It’s forced a lot of Norwegians to ask: "Does the royal family get special treatment?"
The "British Connection" and Why It Matters
If you look at a map of European royalty, Norway is like the anchor for the UK. During WWII, King Haakon VII fled to London. He ran the resistance from there.
This created a bond that hasn't really broken.
- King Harald V still appears on the list of people in line for the British throne (he's way down at like #80 or something, but still).
- They share the same House of Glücksburg roots.
- They visit each other constantly, not as heads of state, but as family.
Who is next?
The future of the Norway royal family tree rests on Princess Ingrid Alexandra.
She’s different. She’s the first woman in Norwegian history to be born as the direct heir to the throne. She’s done her military training. She’s attended university. By the time she becomes Queen, the monarchy will likely look very different.
The support for the monarchy in Norway has dipped recently because of the Marius scandal and the Märtha Louise/Shaman Durek situation. It used to be around 80%. Now, it’s shaky.
Summary of the Succession Order (2026)
- King Harald V (Reigning)
- HRH Crown Prince Haakon (Son of King)
- HRH Princess Ingrid Alexandra (Granddaughter of King)
- HH Prince Sverre Magnus (Grandson of King)
- Princess Märtha Louise (Daughter of King)
- Maud Angelica Behn (Granddaughter of King via Märtha Louise)
- Leah Isadora Behn (Granddaughter of King via Märtha Louise)
- Emma Tallulah Behn (Granddaughter of King via Märtha Louise)
Notice that the King's sisters, Princess Astrid and the late Princess Ragnhild, aren't on there. That’s because of the old rules that only allowed men to inherit.
Actionable Insights for Royal Watchers
If you're following the Norwegian royals, keep your eye on two things this year. First, the outcome of the Marius Borg Høiby trial. It's the biggest test for the palace's "relatability" and legal standing they've ever faced. Second, watch how Princess Ingrid Alexandra begins to take on more solo engagements. She is the "reset button" for the family's reputation.
For a deeper look into the historical connections, check the official Royal House of Norway website. They keep the genealogy records updated, though they don't include the "shaman" drama in the official archives.
To understand the current vibe in Oslo, you have to look past the titles. They’re a family dealing with very modern problems—divorce, illness, and legal trouble—all while trying to maintain a 1,000-year-old tradition.
Next Steps for You:
If you want to track the current succession or see the official portraits, the Norwegian Royal Court publishes an annual report that details every member's official role. You can also follow the Princess Ingrid Alexandra transition into full-time royal duties, as she is expected to take on a larger share of the King's portfolio by the end of 2026.