13/06/2023 - The four-part show, written and directed by Vibeke Idsøe, zooms in on the Norwegian royals’ love story and how they fought for nine years to be together

Sindre Strand Offerdal and Gina Bernhoft Gørvell on the set of Harald & Sonja (© Ihne Pedersen)

A new four-episode series, titled Harald & Sonja, is now in production. The show zooms in on the titular Norwegian royals’ love story and how they fought for nine years to be together, keeping their relationship secret owing to Sonja’s status as a commoner, before finally receiving permission to marry from King Olav in 1968.

Theatre actors Sindre Strand Offerdal and Gina Bernhoft Gørvell portray young King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway. The show is penned and directed by Vibeke Idsøe (The Lion Woman [+see also:
trailer
interview: Vibeke Idsøe
film profile], Body Troopers).

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“Harald and Sonja had to wait nine years for society to accept the undeniable love they have and had for each other. While their friends got married, had children and pursued their dreams, they had to wait for blessings from political, royal and social forces,” explained Idsøe.

Speaking about his role, Strand Offerdal revealed: “King Harald is known for his fundamental humanity. It is easy to see his personality shine through, with a twinkle in his eye and a genuine human curiosity. We are embarking on an extensive journey through time that spans many years, and I want to depict a person, rather than make a carbon copy.”

Moreover, Anders Raasmo (The King’s Choice [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Erik Poppe
film profile]) will play King Olav in the Viaplay series, whilst Anneke von der Lippe (Eyewitness) will star as Sonja’s mother, Dagny Haraldsen.

Harald & Sonja is being produced by Norway’s Paradox and Viaplay. Finn Gjerdrum, Stein Kvae and Rebecca Mathisen are serving as the executive producers for Paradox, along with Isak Eymundsson for Viaplay. The show is slated to premiere on Viaplay in 2025.