All state bodies must fly the Norwegian state flag on official flag days, in accordance with section 4 of the flag regulations. Local government bodies also often fly the Norwegian flag on these days.
It has been decided in consultation with the Royal Palace that Princess Märtha Louise’s birthday, 22 September, will no longer be an official flag day.
Norway now has 16 official flag days:
1 January New Year’s Day
21 January HRH Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s birthday
6 February Sami People’s Day
21 February HM King Harald V’s birthday
1 May Public holiday
8 May Liberation Day 1945
17 May Constitution Day
7 June Dissolution of the union with Sweden in1905
4 July HM Queen Sonja’s birthday
20 July HRH Crown Prince Haakon Magnus’ birthday
29 July St Olav’s Day (Olsok)
19 August HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s birthday
25 December Christmas Day
Movable Easter Sunday
Movable Whit Sunday
Movable Election day (parliamentary elections)
The amendments to section 4 of the flag regulations will enter into force on 1 January 2005.
Small photo: Bjørn Sigurdsøn / Scanpix