Nasjonalbiblioteket, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The tradition of Scandinavian Monarchs having a person motto begin in the 15th century with King Christian I who was King of present day Denmark, Norway and Sweden. At the time, The Scandinavian countries were part of the Kalmar Union and ruled by one monarch.
The tradition of personal mottos continued as the Scandinavian Monarchies broke apart and became their own countries.
Norway in Various Unions (Before 1905)
Before 1905, the Monarch of Norway was also the Monarch of Sweden and/or Denmark. During this period the Monarch would use the same Motto for each of it’s realms:
- Kalmar Union (1397 to 1523)
- Denmark-Norway (1537-1814)
- United Kingdoms of Sweden & Norway (1814-1905)
- See Motto of the Sweden Monarch.
Norway (1905-Present)
Since Norway gain it’s independance in 1905, every Norway Monarch has used the same motto, “Alt for Norge.” During WWII, this motto became a symbol of Norway’s struggle against German Occupation.
| Monarch | Reign | Norwegin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haakon VII | 1905–1957 | Alt for Norge | All for Norway |
| Olav | 1957–1991 | ||
| Harald V | 1991-2026 | ||
| Haakon VIII | 2026-Present |
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