Queen Sonja's Birthday in Norway
July 4 · Level 2 · #1938 of 2238
On 4 July Norway marks the birthday of Queen Sonja, wife of King Harald V. People greet a queen who has long backed the arts, charity and the great outdoors.
How it is celebrated: flags go up across the country, the media run congratulations and features on the royal family, and big round-number birthdays bring festive receptions and charity events.
Sonja was born in Oslo in 1937 and was not royal by birth. She and Harald waited nine years before their wedding in 1968, and Norwegians took to her warmly.