German Occupation of Norway (Exile)

Exile
It soon became clear that Norway would be unable to withstand the German forces, even with Allied support. The Allies decided to withdraw, leaving the King with a difficult choice. He decided it would be best to leave the country, together with Crown Prince Olav and the Government. They departed from Norway on the British heavy cruiser Devonshire on 7 June. A government in exile was established in London. It was essential that Norway’s constitutional powers be upheld in unoccupied territory. For the next five years the government-in-exile led and coordinated Norwegian war efforts from its base in London.

King Haakon became the foremost symbol of the Norwegian people’s will to fight for a free and independent Norway, and his radio broadcasts from London served as a source of inspiration for young and old alike.

In Norway the German occupation authority, led by Reich commissioner Josef Terboven, attempted to establish a legal occupation government, elected by the Storting, to collaborate with the Nazis. However, this required the King’s abdication. In a speech on 8 July 1940 King Haakon made clear that he would continue to fulfil his duties as King of Norway, once again refusing to comply with German demands.

On 25 September plans to establish an occupation government were finally abandoned. Terboven declared the King and the Government deposed, and outlawed all political parties other than the Nasjonal Samling (Norwegian National Socialist party). All activities in support of the Royal Family were forbidden. King Haakon and the government-in-exile stood firm in their resolve to fight until Norway was liberated.

On 30 June 1944 the government-in-exile in London appointed Crown Prince Olav Chief of Defence. He overtook leadership of the Norwegian armed forces and cooperated with the Allied Powers.