Norway’s memorable run at the FIFA World Cup in 2026 may have ended in the quarter-finals, but the team’s homecoming was nothing short of extraordinary. Over 100,000 fans were on the streets to welcome the national side after its historic campaign with a familiar face once again stealing the spotlight - Crown Prince Haakon.
On the steps of the Royal Palace in Oslo, the heir to Norway's throne joined jubilant supporters in performing the now-famous 'Viking Row' - a tradition that is now as well known as the World Cup - the celebration of Norway's success. Videos of the Crown Prince rowing alongside fans have gone viral on social media, and his stature in football is gaining him a lot of fans’ attention.
The “Viking Row,” inspired by Iceland’s iconic “Thunder Clap” celebration, was a symbol of Norway’s unity during the tournament. Crown Prince Haakon had already joined supporters after Norway’s famous victory over Brazil, and he repeated the celebration as thousands gathered to thank the players after their quarter-final loss to England.
With Erling Haaland and his teammates on the pitch, Crown Prince Haakon was suddenly one of the tournament's most recognizable royal supporters off it.
Who Is Crown Prince Haakon?
Norway is one of Europe’s oldest constitutional monarchies, with a royal history dating back more than 1,000 years. The current ruler is King Harald V, who came to power on 17 January 1991; the royal family belongs to the House of Glücksburg, which has ruled Norway since 1905.
Crown Prince Haakon Magnus was born on 20 July 1973 and is the only son of King Harald V and Queen Sonja. He was raised at Skaugum Estate in Asker with his elder sister, Princess Märtha Louise. Despite his royal status, his parents wanted both children to have a normal childhood, just like many Norwegian families have to put up with.
After the death of King Olav V in 1991, Haakon was officially crown prince at the age of 18. On the same day, he went to his first Council of State and presented his first official speech at a government dinner at Akershus Castle.
Education and Military Career
Crown Prince Haakon got his early education at Smestad School in Oslo before finishing high school at Kristelig Gymnasium in 1992.
He went abroad and received a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley. He completed a Master's degree in Development Studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) with an emphasis on international trade and African development.
Alongside his academic accomplishments, Haakon also served in the Royal Norwegian Navy and now holds ranks in all three branches of Norway's Armed Forces.
A Marriage That Changed Public Opinion
Crown Prince Haakon had one of his most significant moments as a public figure in 2001 when he married Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby.
The relationship triggered intense national debate because Mette-Marit was a single mother whose past included involvement in Norway’s nightclub scene. Some critics challenged her suitability to become Norway’s future queen and even warned the marriage could threaten the monarchy itself.
Haakon, however, defended her in public and said he loved her and wanted to marry her despite the criticism.
Their wedding brought together members of royal families around Europe, political leaders, and public figures. Now in their 80s, Norway’s most-regarded royal couple.
Together they have two children - Princess Ingrid Alexandra, second in line to the throne, and Prince Sverre Magnus. Haakon also became stepfather of Mette-Marit's son Marius Borg Høiby, a son from a previous relationship.
Championing Global Causes
Besides his royal duties, Crown Prince Haakon has often served as “Regent” when King Harald is unable to perform official duties.
In 2003, he was appointed a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Goodwill Ambassador. Since then he has supported the development of sustainable development, poverty reduction, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), using his international profile to encourage international cooperation.
Football's Unexpected Royal Fan
Crown Prince Haakon is respected in Norway, but the 2026 FIFA World Cup brought him to millions of football fans around the world. His dedication to, and willingness to enjoy, the moment in front of the now-iconic “Viking Row” made him one of the tournament’s most unexpected stars.
The Norwegian dream ended in the quarter-finals, but the pictures of his Crown Prince cheering shoulder-to-shoulder with fans are one of the most seminal moments of the World Cup, depicting the deep connection between Norway's royal family and its people.
