Exile of King Haakon VII and Norwegian Government

June 7th, 1940

June 7th, 1940

Exile of King Haakon VII and Norwegian Government
How Long Ago?

84 years, 9 months, 8 days ago

Location

Tromsø, Norway

Category

Politics & Government

War/Conflict

World War II

People
  • King Haakon VII
  • Crown Prince Olav
Links & References
Tags

Exile of King Haakon VII and Norwegian Government

On June 7, 1940, King Haakon VII of Norway, along with Crown Prince Olav and several members of the Norwegian government, departed from Tromsø for London, seeking refuge from the advancing German forces during World War II. This decision was made in light of Norway being invaded by Nazi Germany, marking a significant moment in Norwegian history as it established a government-in-exile. Their departure symbolized the resolve of the Norwegian monarchy and government to continue their fight against occupation and represent Norwegian sovereignty abroad.

Norwegian government sought refuge in London.

Symbolized resistance against German occupation.

Operational from London for five years.

Gained international support during exile.

What Happened?

As WWII escalated, Norway found itself under immediate threat from German military operations. On April 9, 1940, German troops invaded Norway, leading to a rapid breakdown of the Norwegian defense. By early June, fighting had come to a standstill, and the invasion was largely complete, prompting King Haakon VII and Crown Prince Olav to make the critical decision to leave their homeland. Their departure from Tromsø, a northern city providing a temporary haven, marked a turning point for Norway. The royal family and the government took a British warship to London, where they would continue to lead their country from exile. This move was intended to maintain Norwegian unity and morale among the populace, as well as to coordinate efforts with the Allies to reclaim Norway from Nazi control.

In London, King Haakon VII became a symbol of Norwegian resistance against the German occupation. The exile government worked to gather support from the international community and maintain Norway's recognition as a sovereign state. Over the next five years, while in exile, they engaged in diplomatic efforts and established connections with Allied forces, all aimed at preparing for a future liberation of Norway. Their dedication served to inspire Norwegians both at home and abroad, as they navigated the challenges of occupation. Eventually, in 1945, following the surrender of Germany, the royal family and government returned to Norway as heroes, ready to restore the nation in the aftermath of war.

Why Does it Matter?

The exile of King Haakon VII and the Norwegian government is interesting as it demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of national leadership in times of crisis. Their ability to operate from abroad under threat of occupation galvanized support both within Norway and among Allied nations. This event underscored the importance of continuity in governance and national identity during wartime, shaping post-war political structures and national sentiment in Norway.

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