King Haakon VII's Return from Exile
June 7th, 1945
June 7th, 1945

How Long Ago?
79 years, 9 months, 8 days ago
Location
Oslo, Norway
Category
Politics & Government
War/Conflict
World War II
People
- Haakon VII of Norway
- Members of the Norwegian government-in-exile
Links & References
Tags
King Haakon VII's Return from Exile
King Haakon VII of Norway returned to Oslo after five years of exile during World War II. He had fled to London in 1940 following the German invasion of Norway, where he remained involved in the Norwegian government-in-exile. His return was marked by a grand reception, symbolizing Norway's liberation and the end of the Nazi occupation. The event was emotional for both the king and the Norwegian people, heralding a sense of hope and renewal for the nation.
King Haakon VII was in exile for five years.
He fled to London after the German invasion.
His return symbolized Norway's liberation.
Large crowds welcomed him back enthusiastically.
What Happened?
King Haakon VII returned to Oslo in June after a prolonged exile that lasted five years due to the Nazi occupation of Norway starting in 1940. Following the German invasion, King Haakon and the Norwegian government were compelled to relocate to London, where they maintained the hope of fighting for both Norway's freedom and the restoration of its government. Throughout these years, the King became a symbol of Norwegian resistance against Nazism, rallying Norwegians through radio broadcasts and reaffirming their resilience.
The return of King Haakon was not just a personal reunion with his homeland; it was a pivotal moment that signified the liberation of Norway. Crowds gathered in Oslo to welcome him back with open arms, reflecting the excitement and relief felt by the Norwegian populace as they greeted their monarch and celebrated the end of the German occupation. The streets of Oslo were filled with flag-waving citizens who had long yearned for their king's leadership and the restoration of their national sovereignty.
During his return, King Haakon addressed the Norwegian people, emphasizing unity, peace, and reconstruction in the wake of the devastation caused by the war. His arrival was symbolic of hope for the future and served as a catalyst for rebuilding the nation. This event marked a significant turning point for Norway, as it began moving forward from the hardships endured during the occupation, and the spirit of national pride surged anew as the king took his rightful place in the heart of Oslo.
Why Does it Matter?
The return of King Haakon VII is historically significant as it represented the restoration of the Norwegian monarchy and national identity after years of conflict and oppression. His leadership during the war made him a unifying figure for Norwegians, fostering a sense of national togetherness and resilience. It laid the groundwork for Norway's post-war recovery and development as a democratic nation, reinforcing the values of freedom and unity in the face of adversity.
Discover More Historic Events from June 7th
Myanmar Air Force Y-8 Crashes into Andaman Sea
A Myanmar Air Force Shaanxi Y-8 aircraft crashed into the Andaman Sea near Dawei, Myanmar, resulting in the loss of all 122 individuals on board. The military transport aircraft was on a routine flight when it encountered difficulties. Emergency services and recovery efforts were initiated to locate the wreckage and retrieve the passengers’ remains.
Continue ReadingUN Establishes Blue Line Between Israel and Lebanon
The United Nations officially defined the Blue Line, serving as the border between Israel and Lebanon, following Israel's withdrawal from Southern Lebanon. This demarcation was based on Israel's withdrawal and aimed to create a clear boundary that would help reduce tensions in the region.
Continue ReadingMount Pinatubo Erupts with Massive Ash Column
Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines erupted, creating an ash column that reached heights of 7 kilometers (4.3 miles). The eruption began after several weeks of volcanic activity and was one of the largest volcanic eruptions of the 20th century. It released a tremendous volume of ash and gases into the atmosphere, significantly impacting air quality and climate. The eruption occurred largely due to the movement of tectonic plates in the region, and its aftermath was felt not only locally but also across the world.
Continue ReadingSurinam Airways Crash during Approach to Paramaribo
Surinam Airways Flight 764, a McDonnell Douglas DC-8, crashed on approach to Paramaribo-Zanderij International Airport due to pilot error, resulting in the deaths of 176 of the 187 people aboard. The flight commenced from Amsterdam, Netherlands, carrying passengers and crew when it encountered difficulties during landing procedures. The aircraft reportedly failed to maintain proper altitude and airspeed, leading to a devastating impact shortly before touchdown.
Continue ReadingGraceland Opens to Public by Priscilla Presley
Priscilla Presley opened Graceland to the public, allowing fans to explore the iconic estate that was home to her late husband, Elvis Presley. The event marked a significant step in preserving Elvis's legacy and making his life accessible to admirers. Although many areas of Graceland were open for viewing, the bathroom where Elvis tragically passed away remained closed to visitors. This decision reflected a desire to maintain a sense of dignity around the circumstances of his death, while celebrating his life and musical impact.
Continue ReadingIsraeli Air Force Strikes Iraq's Nuclear Reactor
The Israeli Air Force conducted Operation Opera, targeting Iraq's Osiraq nuclear reactor, which was believed to be aimed at developing nuclear weapons. The airstrike, executed on June 7, 1981, involved eight F-16 fighter jets that successfully destroyed the reactor before it could become operational. This preemptive strike was justified by Israeli officials as a necessary action to protect national security amid rising tensions in the region.
Continue Reading