King Harald and Queen Sonja, both 84, are front and centre, while Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon, both 48, stand behind with their children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 17, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 16.

       King Harald was admitted into hospital with breathing difficulties in September 2020 - though he tested negative for Covid.

       Their last Christmas card involved family social distancing.

       Due to his father’s condition, Crown Prince Haakon stepped up and took over his royal duties.

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       King Harald ascended to the throne after the death of his father King Olav on January 17, 1991.

       He is also the country’s first native-born king since the 14th century.

       Popular among his subjects, he won the nation’s hearts when he married Queen Sonja in Oslo Cathedral on August 29, 1968.

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       She became Queen on January 17, 1991.

       King Harald was also praised globally for a 2016 speech showing support for gay rights.

       He said: "Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who love boys, and girls and boys who love each other."

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