King Håkon VII of Norway was born on August 3, 1872, and became the first king of Norway after the country gained independence from Sweden in 1905. He was a member of the House of Glücksburg and played a significant role in establishing Norway as a modern nation. His reign lasted until his death on September 21, 1957. During World War II, King Håkon VII became a symbol of Norwegian resistance against Nazi occupation. He fled to London in 1940, where he continued to support his country and its people. His leadership during this challenging time solidified his legacy as a beloved monarch in Norwegian history.