Original subtitles

[mellow music]

Based on a true story.

"A crown prince may not wed without the King's say". § 36, Norwegian constitution

[bird chirping]

WINDSOR CASTLE, 29 MAY 1959

[Queen Elizabeth] Garter and Black rod.

The summoned companion elect.

My lords and ladies, please be seated.

His Majesty, King Olav the Fifth of Norway.

To the honour of God omnipotent,

and in memorial of the blessed martyr Saint George,

tie above thy leg…

this most noble garter.

Wear it as the symbol of the most illustrious order,

never to be forgotten or laid aside.

Wear this ribbon,

adorned with the image of the blessed martyr

and soldier of Christ, Saint George.

By whose imitation

it is provoked that thou mayst so overpass

both prosperous and adverse encounters.

That having vanquished stoutly thy enemies both of body and soul,

thou mayest not only reverse this combat,

but be crowned with the palm of eternal victory.

Congratulations.

I wish George had been here for this day.

He would have loved to perform the investiture

and knight his dear cousin.

Yes, it would have been a proud moment for both of us.

And for Märtha, of course.

We both lost our spouses too early.

How's everything in Norway?

Well, it is demanding to succeed a king that was so loved.

But my close family ties to this house are of great value for me…

- in my new role. - I can imagine.

[King Olav giggles]

Elizabeth is still so young.

[woman] Your Grace.

- Remember how shy she was? - [chuckles] Yes, it runs in the family.

- [chuckles] She has grown into her role. - Mm-hmm.

How is Harald?

Uh, finishing off the required military training as an heir apparent.

You know what I'm talking about.

I know what you are talking about,

and I have invited King Paul and Queen Frederica

along with Princess Sofia and Irene to Oslo in August.

- Sofia is Harald's age, isn't she? - She is.

- A perfect union. - [chuckles]

So. What did you think about the ceremony? It's not exactly of our time, is it?

Well, I like that we still celebrate it, very much the way King Edward did.

In thirteen-forty-eight.

Our family represents something unchanging.

That is exactly how I see it.

The feather hats could go.

- Absolutely not. - The Queen has spoken.

[mellow music]

THE COMMONER

"Of the people"

[mellow music]

OSLO, 20 JUNE, 1959

[pencil friction on paper]

Time's up, please hand in your paper.

- Have a nice summer, guys. - Have a nice summer.

[people chattering]

- [man] Anyone for a beer? - [man] Yeah, I'm in!

[door closing]

[mellow music]

[distant chatter and laughter]

[engine revving]

[mellow music continues]

It is expected that you give this speech, Your Royal Highness.

The event will last for two hours. We will return to the castle at 4.45 p.m.

Has the King been notified that I won't be having dinner at home tonight?

Yes. Would you like a ride to Stenersen?

No, thank you.

[microphone screeching]

[indistinct chatter]

County governor. Mr Mayor. Dear guests.

It is an honour for me to be here today.

[woman] Speak up!

- A significant effort… - [microphone screeching]

has been put into this event.

And I am convinced that people will look back on this day with pride.

[upbeat music]

Sonja! Ilmi is here.

- She says you are invited to a party? - I'll stay at home.

- [Dagny] But why? - I will call Johan and say I am not going.

[lawnmower rattling]

It's been three months.

Yes, I know.

It doesn't feel right to go to a party.

Dad wouldn't want you to stop seeing your friends, and neither would I.

[sighs]

- The lawn needs mowing. - Do go and have a nice time.

The lawn will be here when you get back. You can mow it tomorrow.

Come and say hello to Ilmi.

[Sonja exhales]

- Hello. - Hi.

- Sonja doesn't know if she wants to go. - You need a little cheering up.

So many nice people are coming,

and Johan has been preparing this for days.

- So what will you do? - Be a mother and grandmother.

Haakon and the kids are coming.

It's Saturday, it's six o'clock,

and now Ilmi and I will have

"The Pharmacist's Secret" while you change.

Yes, please.

["Det Som Skjer, Det Skjer (Whatever Will Be, Will Be/Que Sera, Sera)" playing]

One, two, three…

[music continues]

- Hello. - [Ilmi] Hi, there!

Be seated when you find your place card.

Mariann, if you take responsibility for Bernhard… his eyesight.

[upbeat orchestra music]

[indistinct chatter]

This is new.

It's incomprehensible.

[Sonja] Hmm.

[Sonja] I see some women.

I probably wouldn't have guessed that.

Well the painting needs to be looked at a little longer…

Hello, I didn't know it was you.

[chuckles]

- Sonja Haraldsen. - Harald. [chuckles]

That's all I have.

Mmm.

- Well… - Yes.

[indistinct chatter]

- Yes. - Ah.

Thank you.

OK, now we can eat. Enjoy.

Have you known Johan for a long time?

- Since prep school. - Mmm.

I've known him since I was 14.

His uncle lives across the street from us.

I'm sure you know he's there a lot.

"The Stenersen hut".

That house has been called a lot of things. [chuckles]

"A nightmare in blue-coloured concrete with glass and glass bricks",

one critic wrote.

Mmm.

Or "a headache in Norwegian functionalism".

I like it. It's unusual, modern.

There are no fixed norms.

I like things that challenge, that point to the future, not just to the past.

Something that challenges you. Like that Bergemann on the wall.

I think my past is challenging me all the time.

[both chuckles]

So, if you're not so fond of the past, you probably know others here tonight?

Yes, Ilmi. I've known her since primary school.

Then there's Mariann, Nils Jørgen…

Who happens to be one of my best friends. Funny we haven't met before.

We have.

The sailing camp at Hankø, when we were kids.

You pulled my scarf off.

You don't remember that either, even when you're reminded of it.

I do remember the camp…

but not that.

Well, I remember that.

[chuckles]

[Prince Herald] What do you do for a living?

I work at Haraldsen Confectionery, in Skippergata.

Are you familiar with it?

Mmm.

No…

I don't very often move, east of Egertorget.

[loud laughter]

I'm… supposed to run it with my brother.

It's my father's… was my father's shop.

It just feels strange to say "was".

I lost my father three months ago.

I'm sorry to hear that.

You know what it's like to lose a parent.

Everyone loved your mother.

I'm sorry, I shouldn't have…

It's fine.

Do you still sail?

Yes, I do.

What made you start?

Well, father's always loved his boats…

So you have to do it as well?

No…

Well, I guess I found out that…

that's the only place where I can really relax.

Out at sea.

Which is where I usually sail. [chuckles]

[both laugh]

Yes.

[mellow piano music]

[indistinct chatter]

- [man] Do you dare to question this? - [man] Of course I do.

[man] I do when you present such high-flying ideas. Completely unrealistic!

- [Mariann] You took it from me. - [Ilmi] It has to be OK to…

- [Berhard] How's the math going? - [Johan] How's it going?

- [Bernard] Yes. - [Johan] It's going better than ever.

[Bernard] I'm just trying to find some objections.

[Johan] There are no objections. That's the point.

You're a pessimist, Bernhard. I've always said so.

[Bernhard] What's this about?

I'm talking about the company you, Nils Jørgen, and I will start

when you've finished your study abroad.

We will combine tradition and innovation.

Your shipping background with modern technology.

Not all acorns grow into trees though.

- Johan's big acorns have a chance. - [Johan chuckles]

Thank you!

We'll be doing aviation mediation.

Planes that will transport seafarers and spare parts for ships worldwide.

If we get to lead in this field, which I am certain we will,

there'll be big money to be made there.

There is no air traffic as predictable as transport to the ships.

So you think.

That's absolutely right, Bernhard. I do.

We're going to create something all by ourselves.

- Real entrepreneurial work. - What about publishing?

No, eventually I might but I want to go into business…

or art.

Or both. [all chuckles]

Here's to Bernhard's last party in this house.

Cheers.

- [Ilmi] He held your hand? - [Sonja] Yes.

I was thinking, "What am I to do now?"

I think you did the right thing.

How is he, really?

Surprisingly funny.

It's cute that someone in his position can be so shy.

- He's more handsome than in pictures. - Be careful not to fall in love now.

- He must marry a crown princess. - A princess it is.

Maybe it is, yes. At least not someone like us.

And that is his loss. [chuckles]

I have no intention of marrying him.

Why does he have to, anyway?

Because that's how it is.

That is not an answer.

He's the only one in Norway who has to ask his father who he can marry.

- Luckily, I don't have to ask mine. - [Sonja chuckles]

Goodnight.

Are you glad you came to the party?

Very much.

Tell your mom I'll be there next Saturday. At six o'clock.

[mellow music]

[door closing]

[chuckles]

[birds chirping]

[male cadet] Your Majesty, the boat is now ready.

[King Olav] Well, that's great.

I'm used to many shiny things, but that…

A trophy in sailing, it's not everyday you get to have that in your own name.

[phone line continuous beeping sound]

[phone ringing]

What the hell are you doing?

The regatta starts in half an hour!

- [King Olav] We've got work today. - Yes.

Yes, you'll be picked up at two. In time for your speech. Come on.

Mr Mayor.

Ladies and Gentlemen…

- So, for you, champagne cocktail… - Thank you.

And for you…

[Prince Harald] It is an honour for me to be here today.

[indistinct chatter]

[Prince Harald] Public art is important for human well-being.

And the Royal House,

through its history and work

has access to many art treasures.

But it makes me extra happy

travelling across the country seeing that people also believe that…

[Prince Harald] art is important.

Yes, you can say what you like,

but he doesn't have his grandfather's charisma, neither does his father.

[Prince Harald] Although I cannot claim…

- It can't be easy for them. - You cannot represent Norway

and look as grumpy as the Crown Prince does.

Grumpy? He's just taking the task seriously.

It might be a bit too serious. He seems very gloomy.

Enough now.

[Prince Harald]…Norwegian artists.

Thank you.

Then the Crown Prince walks over to perform the unveiling.

[crowd chuckling]

The Crown Prince is having difficulties

[reporter] getting the canvas off, apparently it is stuck onto the sculpture.

[reporter] Listeners can hear that it is causing some amusement

among the audience.

[people keep chuckling]

[sighs]

Your Royal Highness. I'm from Verdens Gang.

Does the Crown Prince have any comment on the engagement rumours

about you and Princess Sophia of Greece?

[car engine revving]

[Volare (Nel blu dipinto di blu) playing]

Sonja? Phone call for you.

Hello.

[Prince Harald] It's Harald.

Oh, hello.

[Prince Harald] Thanks for last week.

Yes, thank you too, it was nice.

So, I was wondering if you would like to accompany me

to the graduation ball at the War College? Friday 28th at seven o'clock.

[stutters] Thank you.

Yes, thank you. Of course, I'd love to.

Super!

[Prince Harald] There will be a diploma handover ceremony in the morning.

I can get a friend to invite you in his name.

[Prince Harald] We have to be a little discreet.

[Sonja] Yes, of course.

Good. I am looking forward to it.

So am I.

See you then.

[mellow music]

[exhales]

I've been invited to a ball with Crown Prince Harald.

What?

[both chuckle] That's nice.

[Sonja sighs]

How about this one?

[both chuckle]

I looked like a bride, but was only a confirmand.

Didn't look so bad on the hanger. Dad and I thought it was great.

[Dagny] You take care of this, I'll make coffee. Do you want some?

- Don't tell anyone. - Of course not.

People will start gossiping.

It's only a ball.

Yes.

VERDENS'S EDITORIAL OFFICE

- Good morning, everybody. - Good morning.

Before we get started, this woman is rumoured to be Norway's future queen.

On that occasion, I have made a scoop. A rather unique photograph.

[Oskar] It's Princess Sophia of Greece.

[Oskar] The Crown Prince's third cousin.

[Oskar grunts]

- This is not my area, but... - No, it isn't.

I thought we were talking about a princess from Denmark or the Netherlands.

Not anymore. The Greek royal family is coming to Oslo this weekend.

We'll run this on the front page tomorrow,

then we'll cover the Crown Prince's graduation on Friday

and the visit from Greece on Sunday.

KARL A. HARALDSEN COATS AND DRESSES

[cash register ringing]

[door closing]

The ad is great.

- Yes, I am very happy with that font. - [Haakon] Mm-hmm.

Princess Sophia's hobbies: Childcare and skiing

What's up?

Nothing.

[drum roll]

[male commander] Your Majesty. Deploying cadets for inspection.

- Good day, cadets. - Good day, Your Majesty.

[drum roll continues]

[mellow music]

- Where is the cadet from? - I'm from Hamar, Your Majesty.

Good.

Remember that the lion should always smile at the sun, cadet.

Yes, Your Majesty.

[Commander] You have not had any relief in terms of workload.

Your high position has made your workload greater than that of other cadets.

Cadet Crown Prince Harald, will you come forward and receive your diploma?

[foot stomping]

Your Majesty. Commander.

I have been asked to say a few words on behalf of the cadets,

and I would like to thank the Norwegian Military Academy for instructive years.

It has been a rewarding period where we have learned a lot.

But I would also like to take this opportunity

to make a request to the examination board.

The exam can easily become a bit of a marathon test.

The cadets are not shirking hard work.

But a revision of the regulations could be of importance to the school,

and be a breakthrough in attendance for the cadets.

[crowd chuckling]

Now we know what the headline will be on Monday.

Thank you.

[footsteps approaching]

[mellow music]

[indistinct chatter]

- Hi. - Congratulations.

- Are you pleased with the result? - It went very well actually. [chuckles]

[Sonja] Oh…

Gosh… better than quite well!

[upbeat music]

- That was fun. - [both giggling]

- I have to say you're a good leader. - [Prince Harald giggles]

I have to say you're easy to lead.

- You're a good orator. - [Prince Harald chuckles]

My favourite was "A breakthrough in attendance for the cadets."

- I shouldn't have said that. - It was funny.

That's what the press will be writing about on Monday.

- Were you told off? - I saw his face.

[soft orchestra music]

- [footsteps approaching] - [indistinct chatter]

I guess it's not that straightforward for me.

It can't be that difficult, can it?

[orchestra keeps playing]

[music continues]

[music fades]

[female guide] We are now in Setesdal,

and it's a valley three hours from Oslo.

[female guide] And this house is from seventeen thirty-nine

and that house is from seventeen fifty.

- [female guide] It's a traditional house. - How was your summer?

[Prince Harald] It was fine.

[Prince Harald] Quite uneventful. Mostly sailing.

- Oh, how lovely. Did you compete? - Sometimes, yes.

[sheep baaing]

This prioritisation from Knippe is peculiar.

Do you know how much VG sold when Princess Ragnhild got married?

If this is so important, where are all the other journalists?

Is it just VG that will be covering this?

Good question.

Oh it's very old. Time of the Vikings I think.

[male] Mmm, interesting.

We're not leaving until we have a picture of Sophia and Harald together.

Come on.

Can you gather them?

[photographer] Like that.

[camera clicking]

What's that? Get the press out of here.

[footsteps advancing]

[Annemor] I think it's time for us to leave.

[Annemor] We're leaving.

[mellow music]

[music continues]

- Hi. - Hi.

[music continues]

Father, have you thought about it?

- What? - You know what I mean.

Not now.

[sighs]

[music fades]

[Princess Astrid] It's been four years.

You know how I feel about that. He is a commoner and divorced.

- People marry divorcees... - I have spoken!

It's different for us.

We have to think about what people might think.

[door slamming heavily]

[upbeat music]

- Here come the bumps. - [Sonja giggles]

You know that moment in a relationship…

What kind of relationship? Being in love?

Call it what you want,

but the point where you start to wonder if other women are involved.

- Are you there with Harald? - No… are you insane?

[woman] It has to be her because it's the very same suit.

[girl] Thank you.

Sonja…

WHO IS THIS?

Oh…

- Can you buy that one? - Yes.

Thank you.

- [melodic music] - [indistinct chatter]

[door opening bell]

- Just how your father wanted it. - Yes.

- You got it all done, Haakon. - [Haakon chuckles]

[Magnhild] Just go and have a look around, Kari.

Lots of dresses.

- Cheers. - Cheers.

- It's working. - Thank you, Magnhild.

Everything you touch turns to gold. [chuckles]

If only I had the same drive.

Yes… How does it feel?

Yes, of course I'm proud.

- This was Karl August's big dream. - Yes.

Yes, it's a shame he didn't get to experience this.

But you did came a long way, didn't you, before he died.

Coming from nothing, I mean.

I could see it in Sonja from the time she was very young.

And you protected her, didn't you? But now one can understand why.

She was being groomed for something big.

Yes…

Our little Karin is not as outgoing unfortunately, or thank goodness, perhaps.

Yes. Sonja has always been… Oh, thank you very much.

Sonja has always been an energetic type.

Not that one needs a lot of energy for that kind of life. [chuckles]

Cheers.

Excuse us for a moment.

WHO IS THIS?

- My goodness. - We didn't know. Is that legal?

It probably is. But that doesn't mean it's right.

What's going on?

He won't have anything more to do with me now.

What?

[chuckles] What does he have to do with you?

[sighs]

Are you dating the Crown Prince?

- Why didn't you say something? - It's not up to me to tell you, is it?

You join our guests, and I'll be out shortly.

We have to think that this is worst for Harald, Sonja.

He's exposed to this all the time and can't opt out, like you can.

Do you think I should opt out on him?

I didn't say that.

Someone's asking for the girl who's usually the cashier here, the skilled one.

- The Crown Prince? - Yes.

Yes, and we know what to do.

Its like a honeymoon. It's soon over.

- Yes. - [Dagny] Yes.

[sighs]

Mrs Evensen…

was staring at me today. Did she say anything?

No, nothing to worry about.

[jazz music]

And poor little Karin. And what?

- An unpleasant woman. - Imagine having a mother like that.

[Dagny hums]

Sonja?

- Mmm? - [Dagny] Sonja, who's this?

Is it him?

[door bell ringing]

- You… must open. Act surprised. - Yes, surprised.

[footsteps moving away]

[door opening]

- Hello. - Yes, hello.

Oh, my goodness. Thank you.

- Dagny Haraldsen. - Harald.

[Dagny] Yes, come in.

- [Prince Harald] Thank you. - [Dagny] Sonja, you have a visitor.

- Hi. - Hello.

We were just about to have dinner. Are you hungry?

[sighs]

- How nice. [chuckles] - Yes.

- Yes. Help yourself. - Thank you.

Would you perhaps like something to drink?

Yes, thank you.

[mellow music]

[secretary] We've received many pleasant letters

since the trip to Northern Norway, Your Majesty.

[King Olav] Mmm. Good.

[King Olav] Anything else?

And then… I've had a lot of inquiries regarding this front page.

A lot? Can you be a little more precise?

Well… many inquiries.

It's probably just one of his girlfriends.

Your Majesty.

[Sonja] Did you see the feature?

Mmm… no.

Is there anything the Palace can do?

[Prince Harald] Er…

The Palace does not comment on these types of articles.

No. Why not?

Er…

Hard to say.

- [Sonja] Right. - Don't think about it.

It will probably drown in all the gossip that isn't true.

[Prince Harald chuckles]

Hmm.

- It can't be easy. - No. You get used to it.

Hmm.

I was wondering if you'd like to come to the cinema on Thursday?

Five o'clock at the Frogner?

Yes, maybe.

Yes.

[door closing]

[Dagny and Sonja chuckle]

- He's a very nice boy, Sonja. - Yes.

- When he's finished eating... - Why do you think he eats so fast?

I don't know.

[chuckles]

Surely the Crown Prince gets enough food.

Yes, you would expect that.

It wasn't disgusting, it was just very fast.

Maybe he was afraid that the food would get cold.

Maybe.

Maybe we should have had hot plates.

He's invited me to the movies on Thursday.

Is that wise?

[mellow music]

FROGNER CINEMA

[narrator] Choose Tempo Lett from Øglænd. Strong and elegant.

[narrator] No licence. No tax. Light and comfortable to drive and cheap to run.

[narrator] Tempo Lett with the robust Sachs 50 engine is affordable.

[narrator] It is available with two or three gears,

[narrator] you have good service options and affordable spare parts everywhere.

[narrator] Let Tempo Lett take you to work or out into nature, quickly and easily.

[narrator] Choose Tempo Lett.

[tense music]

[writing loudly]

Yes, thank you.

- Knippe! - Yes?

Rumour has it that picture had something special.

- Photo? - Yes, of the Crown Prince.

Apparently he's dating an ordinary girl from Vinderen.

- Good evening. - Good evening.

Well…

- What have you been up to today? - I've been to the cinema.

- A French film. - French? That's exciting.

By the way, your stay in Oxford next autumn is starting to take shape.

Some of the most interesting years of my life were spent at Balliol College.

Yes, I've given it some thought.

I wonder if there might be some alternatives to Oxford.

What do you mean?

Something closer to home?

There's nothing like Balliol.

The university is the best England has to offer.

They've educated the most prime ministers in the history of the UK.

Harold MacMillan went there.

You will be able to participate at royal parties in Europe.

After all, we want you to socialise with the princesses.

Harald, there will be… situations…

where the work you were born to do will be in conflict with what you want to do,

the life you may currently want to live.

Then your duty must always come first.

At all times. Just look at Elizabeth, the sacrifices she's had to make.

Yes, Father.

If it had been up to her, she would have worked with horses full-time.

She was shy, too.

But that will pass. You learn to thrive on duty.

- Yes. - Yes, that my cousin Edward

couldn't stay away from this Wallis Simpson woman still annoys me.

If he hadn't abdicated in favour of his brother,

the responsibility wouldn't have been placed on Elizabeth's narrow shoulders.

Not only was Edward king, he was a great man.

He could have had anyone.

We don't do things like that in our family.

[actress] I believe!

[indistinct actor dialogue]

Someone saw them at the movies tonight.

- Yes, and? - I can still make the deadline.

No. We don't write anything until we get an announcement from the Palace.

Listen, Møst. It's obvious that King Olav would never agree to something like this.

God knows what to do about your sister. And this Ferner.

Nice guy, but are Norwegians ready for her to marry a commoner?

And someone who is divorced as well?

Would it be OK if he wasn't divorced?

She's not the heir to the throne, but I don't know.

- But the foreign press is covering it. - They write more than they know.

We write less, to be safe. We don't take things too far with our Royal Family.

My father was worried when Ragnhild married a commoner.

The discussion about her marriage has subsided solely

because she moved to the other side of the world.

I'm convinced of that.

Astrid could have had a dynastic career.

I can't believe one can't see that clearly.

- Just finish for the day. - Let me investigate a little further.

If they're serious, it's about the constitution.

Enough for now.

[tense music continues]

[music intensifies]

[subtitles: Monica Lobefaro]