The enduring love story of King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway will soon grace the screen in a new drama series, Harald and Sonja, premiering February 14 on Prime Video. The series chronicles their “nine-year battle for their forbidden romance,” a relationship that captivated a nation and nearly shook the Norwegian monarchy.

King Harald, now 87, and Queen Sonja, also 87, have been married for 57 years, but their road to the altar was anything but smooth. When they first met in 1959 at a dinner party, it was love at first sight. At the time, Harald was a cadet at the Norwegian Military Academy, while Sonja was studying English, French, and art history at the University of Oslo. She also held a degree in dressmaking and tailoring and had attended finishing school in Switzerland. Despite their instant connection, their love was deemed unsuitable because Sonja was a commoner and the daughter of a merchant—a direct violation of royal tradition.

Harald’s father, King Olav V, insisted that his son marry someone of royal blood, leading to years of heartbreak and secrecy. The pressure mounted as their relationship became a topic of public and political scrutiny. Even Norwegian Prime Minister Einar Gerhardsen voiced opposition, warning that the union could trigger a constitutional crisis.

The couple endured numerous breakups under the weight of societal and familial expectations. However, Harald was determined. By 1965, he delivered an ultimatum to his father: either he would marry Sonja or remain single, potentially jeopardizing the future of the monarchy.

“We just kept waiting and hoping they’d all finally back down,” Harald later recalled in a 2015 interview with Norway’s national broadcaster, NRK.

In 1968, King Olav relented, and the couple wed on August 29 at Oslo Cathedral in front of 850 guests. In a touching gesture, King Olav walked Sonja down the aisle, as her own father had passed away years earlier. Their marriage became a symbol of love triumphing over tradition, and over time, the Norwegian public embraced Sonja as their Crown Princess.

After ascending the throne in 1991 following King Olav’s death, King Harald and Queen Sonja reigned for 34 years. Despite recent health challenges, Harald has made it clear he has no intention of abdicating.

Producers of the upcoming series describe the couple’s story as “something out of a fairytale.” The show will explore the challenges of their relationship, from societal opposition to their eventual triumph, depicting “a true story of love so powerful it threatened the Norwegian monarchy.”

Starring Gina Bernhoft Gørvell as Sonja and Sindre Strand Offerdal as Harald, Harald and Sonja promises to captivate audiences with its themes of resilience, romance, and the fight for acceptance. As producers put it, “Harald and Sonja has all the ingredients to become a major international viewer favorite for anyone who likes unique and genuine love stories.”

The series will debut on Valentine’s Day on Prime Video in Norway, offering a heartfelt celebration of a love that truly defied the odds.