Original subtitles

JUNE 1905, -

THE PARLIAMENT DISSOLVES THE UNION BETWEEN SWEDEN AND NORWAY.

THAT SAME YEAR, THE PEOPLE DECIDE FOR THE CONTINUITY OF THE MONARCHY.

PRINCE CARL, OF DENMARK, IS CHOSEN AS KING OF NORWAY.

THE POLITICAL POWER WILL RESIDE WITH THE GOVERNMENT AND PARLIAMENT.

THE KING WILL JUST HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE ROLE.

NOVEMBER 1905,

THE YOUNG PRINCE ARRIVES AS KING HAAKON VII, OF NORWAY,

TOGETHER WITH HIS ENGLISH WIFE, QUEEN MAUD.

IN HIS ARMS, HE CARRIES THEIR ONLY SON,

CROWN PRINCE OLAV.

Got you!

Grandpa, let go!

Can you help me? Could you find the girls?

- Here they are! - You cheated!

- You got caught first. You're it. - He was only helping an old man.

- I want to hide again. - That's not the rule.

- Rules are stupid. - Listen... I'm it again. Ok?

Ten!

- Ragnhild, come quickly! - Nine!

- Father... are you here? - Eight!

Seven!

- Has anything happen? - I just wanted to see the kids.

- So you haven't heard?

The ship that was torpedoed outside Lillesand this morning.

A dozen people rescued. All are German soldiers.

They're here, dad. They are here now.

And the Prime Minister does not want to go against -

- his own Foreign Minister.

- Nygaardsvold is strong enough.

He won't negotiate with anyone.

There is no mobilization, everything depends on Koth.

And what do you want me to do? Say "The King commands"?

Show them how far we are willing to go.

Five!

And how far is that?

How far are you willing to go?

Our opinions should mean something.

Let's watch it all without lifting a finger. Is it the plan?

- Hi, Dad. - Hi.

Nico is on the phone.

Are you freezing? Won't you come in and get warm?

The children wanted to be out... Four!

And you need to go see the doctor about your back soon.

- What do you mean? - Your back.

With all that's happening.

We can't be on the wrong side in this war.

THE KING'S CHOICE

APRIL 8, 22:00 THE GERMAN EMBASSY, OSLO

- News from Norsk Telegrambyrå. - Anneliese, the news!

She's asleep soon. The news...

As announced by British broadcasting this morning, -

- French and English warships -

- have laid three minefields in Norwegian waters, -

- at Stad, Bud by Hustadvika and in Vestfjorden.

Reuters have it confirmed from London today, -

that the operation was completed in one hour.

- What is he saying?

- That France and England have mined the coast -

- to prevent shipping of ore.

Only that? I can not imagine the Norwegians...

- 90 to 100 German warships were spotted -

- in Storebælt and Kattegat, heading north.

- Mostly armed trawlers and defence ships,

- but also large warships.

- Reports from Stockholm state around 50 warships.

APRIL 8, 23:30 FORTRESS OSCARSBORG - 28KM SOUTH OF OSLO

Colonel, foreign ships are pushing through Færder.

Rauøy and Bolærne are reporting they are fighting.

Turn off all lights at the fort.

Ask the Superintendent in Drøbak -

- to evacuate everybody from Hallangspollen to Hvidsten.

- We only have crew enough for cannon 1.

- Spread them across both cannons, and call all non-combatants.

- We have not heard from Oslo.

- Nobody has made any decision.

- We don't have orders to shoot, Colonel.

- I want everyone available and ready to fight. Now.

- So here we are, in Oslo. No war.

- I have my post and get my orders from Berlin, but we are here.

- I don't know what else I can...

- Heil Hitler!

Ambassador...

- The time has come. - For what?

APRIL 9, 00:00 ROYAL PALACE, OSLO.

I'm waiting to speak with my brother, King Christian.

Yes... but then you need to find him!

Yes, I'll wait! I've been waiting for 15 minutes.

Your Majesty, Minister Koht phoned.

He asked me to inform you that foreign warships have entered the Oslo fjord.

Your Majesty, we should go to the basement.

No... I will not be a prisoner in my own home.

Larsen! Binoculars for Eriksen.

The only thing you will do is to give them this pen,

- so they can sign the agreement of voluntary cooperation.

Keep it.

They will see this as an aggression.

Then you need to convince them that it is not.

They have sacrificed a lot to maintain neutrality.

Norway is the main target, because of the shoreline.

And not least because of of iron ore.

The resources we can get by occupying of Norway are immeasurable.

Prepare to load!

Come on, push it.

Load it in the barrel. Faster!

Colonel, cannons 1 and 2 are both ready.

Good.

Filtvet is reporting a ship with its lights off.

They think it was German.

They couldn't see that. Not even on a clear night.

Getting the spotlight up is urgent, Sødem!

Good.

APRIL 9, 04:20 MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, OSLO.

Good evening, Minister Koht.

Mr. Bräuer.

On behalf of the German leader,

I bring this offer to the Norwegian government.

What is this, Ambassador?

We have come to defend Norway against a British invasion.

And expect in return that there is no resistance.

I know that a Foreign Affairs Minister and an Ambassador -

- can make that deal, here and now.

I need to discuss this with the government.

Then I will wait.

The government is here, next door.

Commander Andersen wants a categorical order -

- about whether to fire torpedoes at the approaching ships.

Kopås is reporting silhouettes of several large ships.

Colonel?

- Færder and Bolærne is reporting fighting.

- The ships are approaching at low speed, with no lights.

They are warships, so damn right we will shoot!

All ready!

This war...

- between Germany and England.

It will become the most meaningless war you can imagine.

It can only end in mutual destruction.

Sødem! The distance!

- Sødem? - The orograph says 1800 meters.

Too far! They are just passing Småskjær.

- Let's wait for confirmation from Kopås.

- No time. Set to 1,200 meters!

- 1,200 meters and decreasing!

- Warning shots? - No warning. They are enemies.

- 1,200 meters!

- Cannon 2 is following the target!

- But Colonel... What if we make a mistake?

- At my command!

- Fire! - Cannon 1, fire!

- Fire! - Cannon 2, fire!

Where are the torpedoes, Sødem?

Torpedo battery, quick!

Norway is an independent nation.

It would cease to be if we accepted the German demands.

Therefore, our answer is "no".

They know what this entails...

Your own leader have said:

"A people surrendering to a foreign attack,"

"does not deserve to live."

We will not bow down voluntarily.

Your Majesty, pardon. The Prime Minister on the telephone.

Thank you.

The power is back, Thank God.

Speak louder, Nygaardsvold.

We have been invaded! An attack was repelled, but -

- President of Parliament Hambro thinks it's best to leave the city.

A special train will depart from Østbanen at 07:00.

APRIL 9, 06:20. OSLO.

Are you ready?

The cars are waiting, dad. We have to go.

- Is there more? - Yes, yes!

Come on.

The Lord Chamberlain, Wedel Jarlsberg -

- will join Your Majesty on the train.

Are you not coming?

I'll stay until Your Majesty leaves.

- Then I'll report for service. - That's good.

- Where are the children? - In the car. Everyone is here.

I forgot my glasses.

I put them in your suitcase, Your Majesty.

I forgot my diary, too.

Also in the suitcase, Your Majesty.

Father...

I have to go to the toilet.

Just because we leave now, doesn't mean we won't be back.

- Good morning, Torp. - Your Majesty.

Although not actually a good morning.

Due to the situation, an extra train is set up at Hamar.

- Grandpa! - Hey, little buddy, you came!

Let's move. It's the second carriage.

- Greetings, Your Majesty. - Peder. It's good to see you.

Likewise.

- Peder, how's it going? - Your Highness, glad you came.

- Dad, why did not Ording come? - He wants to join the service.

- Hi, Peder. - Your Highness.

Looks like children are ok.

Yes, they think we're going to the cabin.

The important thing is that the family is together.

Did you hear anything, Peder?

I spoke to the Foreign Minister.

German ships have been reported in all major ports.

Across the country.

Is there any diplomatic contact? Is it possible to negotiate?

I think we should trust that -

this will be solved by Koht and the Government, Olav.

I agree.

Your Majesty and family must not lose your freedom.

But do we know that this is an occupation?

The Government is holding a special meeting -

- as soon as we get to Hamar.

Everyone is on the way, some by car, others here on the train.

The President of Parliament is controlling everything.

I suggest we trust him. Hambro knows what he's doing.

He seems to be the only one with the head on right at this moment.

Away from the windows! On the floor! Everyone, please.

- What's happening? - Quickly. Air planes.

- Together, on the floor. - Children! Olav...

Where are they?

There...

The kids are ok.

Everyone off the train. Now.

- All right. - Straight away, come on.

- Here, Your Majesty. - The children?

I'll take that ...

- Run! Run! - That way!

Everyone to the underground!

Your Majesty, come on.

Calm... everything is fine.

Diana, contact Minister Koht.

Say we need to talk about further negotiations.

No one thought to tell me about this plan?

There is nothing wrong with the plan. It's from Führer himself!

- How did it go? - Good. Why?

- Are you sure? - Yes.

Diana, what about Koth?

He wasn't there. The Government has left.

- What? Where? - They did not say.

Wait here.

Please don't touch this. Excuse me. Don't go up.

Glad you got the piglet.

I can't hear. What is he saying?

He says he wants to go home.

I want that also.

Tell him we'll be home soon.

We'll get home soon...

- Did he say anything? - He said "Yes, sir!".

Does he speak another language?

Dooes he speak other languages or only English?

He speaks Danish, Swedish, -

- English and Norwegian.

Danish, Swedish, English and Norwegian?

And the language of the pigs.

Language of the pigs too? I didn't think he would.

APRIL 9, 23:10. HAMAR STATION. 126KM NORTH OF OSLO.

Nygaardsvold! Can I take a picture?

Your Majesty, welcome to Hamar.

Thank you. Prime Minister. Hambro.

- Your Majesty, I heard that the trip was troubled.

- You can say that yes.

- President. The trip was well organized.

- Thank you, welcome. - Any news?

The Germans control most of the large cities.

Stavanger, Bergen, Trondheim.

The ministry is evacuated.

Most are sent home, others are coming here.

We're trying to take control. I'll know more soon.

Did Oscarsborg sink a big war ship on its way to Oslo?

Yes, they saved us, but the fort is under air raid.

We have to accept that Oslo is lost.

Where do we stand with the army?

We have sent orders for mobilization.

- How? - By letter.

- By letter? - We were caught by surprise.

Surprise? You think this is surprising?

I want to emphasize that our belief in neutrality remains clear.

We are confident that new negotiations will come.

What if they don't come?

- They will come. I'm gathering the Parliament.

I know the German Ambassador, Curt Bräuer.

He is a supporter of Norwegian neutrality.

- And we want to trade? - The Parliament will discuss this now.

We're staying in the city, at the theatre.

I have other news that might be heavy for you.

Your brother, King Christian, -

- surrendered Denmark at 05:00 this morning.

If it helps, he did not have much choice.

No, he probably didn't.

- "Surprised", did you hear that?

Our negotiation cards are terrible -

- because they did not mobilize, like I've asked for for ages.

- Let the Government make their proposal.

- But we have to be able to negotiate on our own terms!

Let me speak with General Laake.

- Or Ruge. Speed things up a little bit!

- Have you gone crazy?

- The Royal House trading behind the Government's back?

- Someo of the army still listens to us.

- We don't need a discord now.

There are people in Parliament who wants to get rid of us.

So why are we here if they don't want us -

- and disagree with everything they do?

- Don't you understand anything?

- You do everything so complicated!

- Your Majesty. Sigrid Sælid. Welcome to Sælid farm.

- Thank you for receiving us on such short notice.

I need to get some rest. Can I get a radio in the room?

We'll arrange that.

At ease!

We've taken Oslo.

All roads in and out.

With less than 50 men.

Good. It all went well?

It was a massacre, ambassador.

For our comrades on board "Blücher", the pride of the Führer.

The Government escaped, do you know?

We've come to protect the Norwegians, and this is the way we are received.

They would fight anyone. To them, we are invaders.

Let me negotiate. Contact the Government before further lives are lost.

When General Falkenhorst arrives tomorrow, -

- Norway must be in our hands, from the King to the smallest farmer.

I have the parachute troops ready.

If today's negotiation fail, -

- I'll put them in to action.

Today? The Government is in hiding...

Then find them. Or else we will find.

Today, a state of emergency was declared in Oslo.

A total evacuation will occur in Oslo and Aker, -

- but no one should travel to the areas -

- around the Oslo fjord.

Those who were notified ...

Luggage: Only carry-on -

- that will fits on top or under the vehicle.

- Prime Minister. - Your Majesty.

Has the Government made a decision?

No.

But I've made a personal decision, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty. President.

A few moments ago -

I handed over to His Majesty, King Haakon VII, -

- my resignation as Prime Minister, -

- and at the same time, the renouncement of this Government.

I'll be brief, because we have a lot to do.

As the King of Norway, I can do nothing more -

- than to accept the resignation of the Government.

But not now.

President of Parliament, Hambro, has decided -

- not to accept the resignation, a decision that I support.

This is not the time for negotiations behind closed doors -

- or agreements between small groups.

It's time to be open with each other, -

- and I will be totally open with you.

People chose you to lead them,

both in light, and in times of darkness.

Therefore, the resignation of the Government will not be accepted,

- not when people so strongly -

- need someone to lead them.

Your Majesty, honourable house, we will continue.

The German envoy asked to resume negotiations, -

- based on documents sent to us this morning,

- to which we already said "no".

It seems like more people are convinced that the situation has changed.

With the uncertainty that has spread, misconceptions with the mobilization, -

- and German forces in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and Narvik, -

- many think it's looking bleak.

- I don't share this opinion.

Despite this, a majority still wants -

- us to resume negotiations immediately.

- Negotiations about what? - Your Highness?

- I'm sorry, President. But what has changed since last night?

- I share the Parliament's opinion.

- I am a man of trading.

- But I must ask the Government or Prime Minister:

- What do you think has changed since last night?

- What do we have to offer? - Minister Koht.

- Your Highness. President.

- Much have changed in the last few hours.

- We've lost control of large part of the country.

- We are under attack.

- But we still have our freedom.

- We have an independent Government and the support of the people.

- The Government wants to continue negotiations,

- in the hope of a cease fire.

- If we get a solution, -

- not unlike the one Denmark said "yes" to,

- then this Government will be in favour of it.

- It would save many lives.

- If the Government wants to negotiate, I will be happy to support.

- The Prime Ministers resignation was a gift from above.

- Hambro could have lead us!

- Instead we're sitting down with a Government in dissolution.

- Instead of criticizing all the time, try to listen and learn something.

- We have to stay together. We have to support the Government.

- This isn't about your personal desire.

- What do you actually need me for?

- You will be the next King of Norway. I need to behave as such.

- We told them that we needed to mobilize.

- That the war would reach us. And look now!

- Don't be afraid to stand for something. - Don't call me afraid -

- just because I don't embark on all your capricious plans.

- We can't risk everything like this. Don't you understand that?

- Olav!

APRIL 9, 18:40 MIDTSKOGEN - 27KM EAST OF HAMAR.

Guys, unload!

Line up!

Here it is!

- When you need something it's always in the back.

- Where is Spiller going? - I don't know.

And who is the Captain?

Can I ask where Spiller is going, and who the Captain is?

To Hamar.

- That was Captain Walther. Excellent soldier. Parachutist.

- What are you going to do in Hamar? - What do you think?

- You know I'm expecting an answer from Minister Koht.

- You have your orders, and I have mine.

- I get my orders straight from Berlin.

- Oslo Police Superintendent, Kristian Welhaven, is here.

- Good afternoon, Superintendent. - Ambassador.

- The Norwegian Government is reporting -

- that they intend to continue the negotiations.

- But all hostilities must cease immediately.

- One moment, Superintendent.

- Did you hear? Stop the action against Hamar now.

- Can't do. They received the order and left.

- Then hold them.

- I can't. - Can't or won't?

Stop!

Stop! Stop the car!

- Superintendent! Wait!

Wait, Superintendent!

- I can't stop every single soldier, but I want to negotiate.

- Please highlight this to the Government.

- Will you do this?

- Please wait! Superintendent!

- I have a car. I can meet anywhere, any time.

Do you understand?

APRIL 9, 19:30 SÆLID FARM, HAMAR.

We saw you! You threw the snowball!

What did I do? Have I not been sitting here the whole time?

No, you haven't!

No, he wasn't sitting here all the time.

Vidkun Quisling, the new leader of the Norwegian government...

Quiet, Harald.

Women and men of Norway!

Proclamation to the Norwegian people:

After England broke Norway's neutrality -

by mining the waters of the Norwegian territory -

- without anything but meaningless protests -

from the Government, -

- the German Government offered aid to the Norwegian Government,

- accompanied by a solemn commitment -

- out of respect for our independence.

- Sorry. German forces are on their way.

- The Government have abandoned Hamar.

- In response to this offer of solution to this unsustainable situation,

- the Government implemented a general mobilization -

- and gave the absurd orders to the Norwegian army -

- to oppose the German aid by force.

- The Government have run away,

- after risking the fate of the country.

- Under these circumstances, it is the duty of the National Union Party -

- to assume power to protect the interests of the people -

- and the safety and the independence of Norway.

- We are the only ones, by virtue of our national goals, -

- who can do this and save the country of the despair -

- in which the party politicians have left our people in.

- The Nygaardsvold Government have stepped back.

- I will add that such that the situation has developed -

- any resistance, will not only be futile,

- but will amount to criminal destruction of life and property.

- Every Government official or municipalities,

- especially army officers,

- navy, coast guard and air force,

- is obliged to obey orders of the new National Government.

Any defamation will result -

- in severe punishment to those responsible.

On the other hand, every good citizen -

- will be treated fairly and with consideration.

- The National Government has taken over,

- with Vidkun Quisling as Prime and Foreign Minister.

- Superintendent Jonas Lie: Minister of Justice.

- Dr. Gulbrand Lunde: Minister for Social Affairs.

- Vidkun Quisling has just performed a coup d'etat.

- Norway is at war.

- The King and the Government are on the run.

- They will pass through here.

- Behind them the are German paratroopers.

- The Germans have one one target, to capture the King.

- Our task is to stop the Germans.

- We'll defend a line from the farm to the forest.

- We'll have a road block here. It will be a critical point.

- When the Germans get there, we'll take them.

- I want a machine gun in the middle of the path, east of the sty,

- and a local shooting team at the forest line.

- Tonight we will be at war.

- Understood? - Yes, Sergeant.

- Understood? - Yes, Sergeant!

- Get to it. Groups of three, build the first position up there.

- Next three, next position.

- Find boards and spades back there.

- Seeberg! - Yes, Sergeant.

- I need help to control the road block.

- But Sergeant, I'm ready to fight!

- Good. But I need help to direct traffic there.

- But, Sergeant... - Seeberg, this is an order.

Diana! Call Berlin. Minister Ribbentrop.

He can at least get rid of Quisling.

- I know Quisling. An amateur without any support from the people.

- Talk to him. He doesn't live far from here.

- Who? - Quisling.

- I can not! He performed a coup d'etat!

- It would ruin all my diplomatic efforts.

- You are a diplomat, not a soldier.

- Don't try to do their work.

- Seeberg! Stop the traffic for a moment!

Stop!

Good evening, soldier! I think it's time to salute.

- Good evening, Sergeant. - Your Highness.

- What's the plan?

- Good evening, soldier.

- Good evening ... King.

- I've felt like a hare all day. It's good to see the farm.

- What's your name, soldier?

- Private Fredrik Seeberg, Your Majesty.

- Please know that I am grateful for what you are doing. All of you.

Everything for the King, Your Majesty.

No, Seeberg.

Everything for Norway.

This is more my taste. This is good.

Yes? Foreign Minister?

In a few hours the Government surely will accept the terms.

- Excellent! - Yes, but...

- This Quisling will never be accepted as a leader of the Government.

- We like Mr. Quisling. - We all do.

- But unfortunately he has no support,

- neither of the people, nor of the King.

Hello? Foreign Minister?

- Hold the line, Bräuer.

- Yes, I'll wait.

- Foreign Minister?

Heil Hitler, mein Führer!

- This is Ambassador Curt Bräuer, Oslo.

- We are very satisfied with the situation in the north.

- Operation Weserübung was a success.

- Mein Führer. Question regarding this Quisling...

- Quisling is a good man. He's the right man in the right place.

- All right, mein Führer.

- What about the Norwegian Government? They want to negotiate.

- But it will be difficult if we insist on Quisling...

- Why negotiate with a Government that attacked us -

- when we came to save them from the British imperialists?

- Can you explain this, Ambassador?

- No, mein Führer. Only thought the Government...

- Forget the Government. You must negotiate directly with the King.

- Insist on talking to him alone.

- Then he will understand the seriousness of the situation.

- But inland they are preparing for war...

- You have my confidence and the authority to act on my behalf.

- Forget the Government. Talk to the King.

- Good luck. We trust in you.

- Thank you, mein Führer.

- Heil Hitler!

- King Haakon will never accept Quisling.

- If I arrive with Quisling, everything is over.

- The King is in hiding!

- Quisling lives nearby. Talk to him!

- What am I going to tell him?

- Should I beg on my knees?

- If you think it's that easy we can change jobs!

- I'm a diplomat. I work for peace!

- What diplomacy? What peace? Stop calling yourself a diplomat!

- You work for Hitler. You are just a soldier.

- Anyone can be a diplomat -

- with a gun pointed at the other guys head!

Anne...

- Everything in order?

- What did Berlin say?

APRIL 9, 21:25 GAARDER FARM

ELVERUM, 30KM EAST OF HAMAR.

- I will register for service.

- I'll be more useful in the field than here.

- How can I exhort people to fight if I don't?

If I don't have the courage myself?

- That soldier that stopped us in Midtskogen. What was the name?

- Seeberg. - Yes, he spoke to father.

- A young boy with a huge helmet and a huge weapon.

- Much too young!

How can I look him in the eyes, take his hand, salute him, -

- if I'm not prepared to offer the same as him?

- For our country!

- Märtha, I need to be able to look myself in the eyes and say I tried everything.

- It's just a bit sudden.

- We talked about it last winter.

- Yes, we... I know.

- But a lot has happened since last winter.

- What about us?

- You will stay together.

- What about you? What do you think of this?

- Your Majesty, can I ask for a word...

- Our main goal should be to keep the children safe.

They, the Crown Prince and Prince Harald under one roof -

is not safe.

- We can't separate them now!

- Your Majesty, we have to take the children across the border.

- I can not leave Norway.

- We can not leave Norway! Not now.

- We will not do this.

- Peder is right.

- Harald is important.

- And you will be less vulnerable. Both of you.

- We need to separate. You two stay together.

- I'll take the children to Sweden.

- Dad?

- Look who's coming there.

- Listen...

- Should we go out and see if there are any animals on the farm?

- Has piglet ever tried to ride horses?

- Have you seen these before? Not as big as "real" horses.

- You'll sit comfortably here whilst riding, right?

- What is it? - Grandpa, when are we going home?

- I don't know. - Dad!

- Märtha and the kids need to go. The Germans are coming.

- We have to go. Come on, Harald, let's get to the car.

- What happened? - Quickly. They are many.

- Where are we going? - You're going to travel with Mom.

- The German forces have passed Hamar.

- They are many more than we thought.

- They will be arriving at the blockade soon, 3 km from here.

- We leave as soon as the princess and the children are the car.

- Your Majesty, they are closer than we thought.

- My kitty!

- Grandpa... - Get in the car.

- Protect Harald, understood?

- What did he say? - He said "Yes, sir!".

- I love you. - Be careful...

- See you soon...

- Go... no, stop!

- Now go!

- Your Majesty!

- I swore this would never happen.

- I would never leave them like this.

- You never did.

- No...

- No, I know that.

- Contrary to others... - Leave your mother alone.

- She did her best.

- You have to stop.

- I beg your pardon? - You have to stop saying that.

- That she did the best she could.

- That she was there for you, that she tried. She didn't.

- Fled on horseback to England as fast as she could.

- She was alway missing!

- And don't say she was there for me, because...

- You were the one! You were there.

- You and the nannys.

- And now I'm here, -

- while Märtha and the children are going to Sweden.

- On that day, in 1905, when we came here...

- We arrived by ship.

- We suddenly become King and Queen. And Crown Prince.

- There were people everywhere. They waved, greeted us and were happy.

- You were not much older than Harald is now.

- You wore a white dress that your mother had picked.

- Looked like a little girl.

- And I carried you all the time.

- Because you were afraid. And angry.

- You said all the time: "Dad, I want to go home."

- And I...

- I had decided. I had a choice.

- You had no choice.

- I chose for you.

- And I'm still sorry for that.

- If you want something different now. - No, I...

- Dad, I never said I wanted something different.

- I just don't want to be the King that you are.

- They want us to stop in Nybergsund.

- We can spend the night there.

- It's close to the Swedish border.

- Is anyone here?

- Good evening.

- Do you speak German?

- Yes.

- I'm Ambassador Curt Bräuer. Who are you?

- Waldemar Johansen, office manager.

- Good. You can help me.

- I have an important message for King Haakon.

- I can't contact the King. Talk to someone in the palace.

- I'm the top German diplomatic representative.

- Get in touch with the King and the Government.

- It's a matter of life or death!

- Is it not a little late? You are shooting us.

- I'm alone here.

- You dare to talk about negotiations, after making it impossible!

- Believe me, I just want to help your country.

- I will do anything to prevent war and negotiate a solution.

- I have the permission from the Führer to to suspend hostilities,

- but I need to find King Haakon.

- So, please help me do this!

APRIL 10, 00:30. MIDTSKOGEN.

- I heard you speak German... - Yes.

- That's good. It might be nice to have you around, if...

- Are you okay? - Yes.

- Don't light that up in here.

- Good evening. - See you later.

- They accepted. - Really?

- I'll meet the King at noon. On one condition.

- That the advances stop immediately. I promised them that.

- This will not happen. - I'm sorry?

- Walther and Spiller have passed Hamar. Soon they will be at Elverum.

- Did you not hear me? I have an audience with the King of Norway.

We have reached our diplomatic goal, Lieutenant Colonel.

I have my orders, Ambassador.

The Führer personally ordered to arrange this meeting.

Are you going to stop me?

Do your work. If you succeed, my congratulations.

But don't tell me how to do my job!

Good...

Anneliese?

Anneliese, it's me!

Anneliese, open!

Look at the little one!

In position! To your stations!

Vestli, do you see anything?

No. Nothing.

Follow me.

Please be quiet.

Come on, let's get them...

- What are we waiting for? - We have to wait for the order.

No conversation.

What are they doing?

- Can I shoot? - Wait for the order!

Fire! Fire!

My God, they are many more than us!

- Seeberg! This way! - Seeberg, your position is there!

Damn! Jammed!

Pass!

Germans!

Take cover!

Come back, Seeberg!

Seeberg! Come back! Seeberg...

APRIL 10, 02:50

NYBERGSUND, TRYSIL 60KM EAST OF ELVERUM

Your Majesty. Your Highness.

I don't know if you know already, but...

- The Germans have passed Hamar.

- We saw the blockade in Midtskogen.

- The battle may already have begun.

- Okay... thank you.

- Welcome, Your Majesty. Around here.

- Wake up, Seeberg!

- We need help here!

- Pull back! - Wait, wait...

- What about Seeberg!

- We can't leave him alone!

- Vestli, let's go back! - I'm staying here with Seeberg!

- Vestli, fall back! - I'll stay here with Seeberg!

- You are a civilian! Can you stay?

- Say "Ich bin Zivilist!" Say it!

- Say this when they get here! Vestli, let's go back.

- No! - Vestli, fall back!

- Wait... his name is Fredrik.

- Don't leave him behind!

- Hands Up!

- Make space. Move it!

- Do you speak German?

- Answer me.

- Where were you going?

- Do you have armoured vehicles? Machine guns?

- Where is the King?

- And the Government?

- We have little ammunition and many casualties.

- We won't find anything here. We need reinforcements.

- Battalions...

- Two hundred... and more... - What did you say?

- Machine guns. - Battalions?

- Let's go.

- To the cars! Draw back!

- Battalions?

- But surely there are no more of you up here?

APRIL 10, 08:10 NYBERGSUND, TRYSIL

No, we can't accept this!

- Only a few hours ago they tried to get us -

- and His Majesty the King.

- And now you want to send my father back to meet the German!

- Alone!

- I don't understand how you still need to discuss this!

- And with Quisling in Oslo...

- Maybe they want to discuss about a new Government,

- and Quisling's resignation.

- Forgive me, Prime Minister, but these are just empty words.

- I would never ask this of the King if it wasn't necessary.

- But the Government and I believe that negotiation is the only option.

- I would like to agree with you, -

- but we have done everything we can to negotiate.

- And what was the answer? Violence! They attacked us!

- No...

- Send me.

- They requested the King in person. Alone.

- They broke their own ceasefire, -

- and you want to send my father straight into the lions' lair!

- This is madness! We must stand for something!

We have to put an end to this nightmare!

- It might calm the situation if we say that -

- the King will meet the Germans.

- If we do nothing, I fear an even worse bloodbath.

- Your Majesty...

- Dad, there must be another option. Surely.

- I think we'll avoid more bloodshed if we negotiate.

- Can I talk to my father alone, please?

- Yes, of course. - Gentlemen, let's get out.

- All right?

- Dad?

- Everything in order?

- If I can avoid more casualties by meeting the German, -

- then I have to do it.

- But father... - Then I have to go there.

- We can ask him to come here.

- We agree a neutral location and have him brought to us.

- They can't ask you to go to Elverum. It's not safe.

- Even if Koht promised, you don't have to go.

- I strongly advise you not to go. It could be a trap.

- You said you wanted to fulfil your duty.

- This is my duty.

- If this is how it should be, if...

- If I'm the last card, then so be it.

- I have to try at least. - There must be other solutions.

- Yes, always. There are always other solutions.

- But are they the right ones?

- You should not be like me.

- You must be yourself.

- And with time you'll become the King you want to be.

- Dad, if you go, at least I should come with you.

- You know you can not.

- Be ready, just in case something happens.

- Yes...

- What do you hope to accomplish with this?

- Do you really think the King will accept Quisling after yesterday?

- I don't take responsibility for yesterday.

- Somebody else will have to answer for that.

- Think about your family. Have they not suffered enough?

- Let me fetch the King.

- Just tell me where he is hidden. - Keep your men away.

- Let's play by my rules for a few hours.

- What do we have to lose? - We don't negotiate. We take.

- You are not the only one going to Elverum.

- Keep an eye on the sky.

- You never know when it will fall on top of your head.

- I'm leaving now. All going well, I'll be back tonight.

What are you doing?

I'm going.

And I'm taking Clara with me.

Where to?

Home.

I have no words to say how sorry I am, Anneliese.

Please forgive me.

Could you forgive me again?

- Ambassador - I'm coming.

- The car... - I'm coming, I said!

- I'm so sorry for what happened.

- Please forgive me.

- Forgive me.

- Who do we have here?

- See you soon, my dear.

- Your Majesty, we don't have to leave for another half an hour.

- I can't stay here any longer.

- Can I ask you to enter the car, for safety?

- Let's just drive. - As you wish.

- Øyvind, we're ready!

- Dad! You don't have to leave yet?

- If something happens...

- there are a number of practical things you need to know.

- Peder knows everything. - I know all that.

- Never be alone. Always keep Märtha by your side.

- If something happens, you need someone to trust, to love.

- Protect the children.

- Everything for Norway... right?

GERMAN-NORWEGIAN DICTIONARY

- "Your Majesty..."

- "Your Majesty, it's an honour."

APRIL 10, 12:30 ELVERUM PUBLIC SCHOOL

- Your Majesty. - Mr. Koht.

- Mowinckel. Sundby...

- So, this is where it will happen. - What?

- This is where it will happen. - One can say that...

- We can arrange a room for you -

- and let you know when the Ambassador arrives.

- Very well.

See.

- Out. Get out of the car. - What is he saying?

- Get him out - Ask him what he wants.

- Only him!

- Come back inside. - I'll fix this.

- Only you.

- Sorry, the time is running out. If you please...

- Shut up! - Sorry, is this really ...

- I'm sorry...

- Do you understand German?

- No! - I'm the German Ambassador...

- Yes?

- More coffee? - No, I think it's enough.

- Your Majesty, something is wrong.

- He's just delayed.

- Are you sure?

- As sure as you were that the Germans would not invade us?

- I think we have to break up. - Take it easy.

- Your Majesty, let's leave now.

- I can't open it. - Look...

- Your Majesty.

- I need some air. - Here. This will open.

- There he is. Are You ready? - Yes, let's go.

- I'll go down and receive him.

- Minister Koht. - Dr. Bräuer.

- Pleasure. - Welcome.

- Your Majesty, it's an honor.

- My Lord. - Thank you.

- Mr. Lykke and Mowinckel. - Good morning.

- I've heard that His Majesty understands German.

- If allowed, I would appreciate if we could continue in German.

- Unfortunately, my Norwegian is not great.

- Well... after confering with the German Führer, -

- I have the authority to negotiate directly with Your Majesty.

- With all due respect, -

- the conversation was scheduled between me and His Majesty.

- Is that correct? - He misunderstood.

- This will be resolved.

- This issue will be discussed only with the Government present.

- I wish that these gentlemen are present as witnesses.

- Unfortunately, I must insist. My orders are from the Führer.

Just Your Majesty and my humble person.

- It's important that the Government is represented.

- He wants us to leave...

- Then we quit.

- Your Majesty.

- Mr. Bräuer! We will do as you wish.

- Yes. Gentlemen, let's get out.

- I've had the pleasure to meet Your Majesty on an earlier occasion.

- Can Your Majesty remember?

- For me, at least, it was a great day.

- You should know that the Führer holds great esteem for Your Majesty.

- And Your brother.

- I nurture great respect for the kingdom of Norway -

- and for the monarchy, as an institution.

- But, currently, we have control of the country.

- The official Government has no power. Quisling has.

- And it's the Führer's wish that it remains so.

- The agreement the Führer wishes to sign with Your Majesty -

- remains the same, but with Quisling as Prime Minister.

- Your Majesty, may I speak frankly?

- I fully understand that a solution -

- so comprehensive can not be so filed.

- I have great respect for Your Majesty, but not for Quisling.

- Instead, I share of Your disdain for him.

- He is a miserable creature that has interfered with the negotiations.

- But he has a reputation in Berlin. Even Hitler knows who he is.

- That's why I asked for this meeting, eye to eye.

- I am ready to submit an alternative proposal.

- The agreement remains the same, but without Quisling.

- I give you my word, Your Majesty.

- If Your Majesty signs here and now, -

- Quisling will be gone.

- I'm running a big risk.

- Hitler wants Quisling, but You rather.

- I'm so convinced of this that I'm risking my career.

- Does Your Majesty understand what I'm saying?

- I mean, my German?

- Do they expect a yes or no? Here and now?

- Well...

- The offer will not be repeated. You can save Norway.

- Become a hero of the country! The King of the People!

- Did you know that in the whole history of Norway, -

- I was the first King to be elected by the people?

- Norway is a democracy.

- The people choose. The people are heard and respected.

- I would neglect all this if I gave you an answer now.

- The destination of our country is not decided in a room,

- eye in the eye.

- The decision must be made by the whole people.

- I have a lot of respect for Your Majesty's attitude.

- But if you say "no," people will die. It's that simple.

- Young Norwegians will lose their life in a meaningless war.

- Do You want this on Your conscience?

- To have the blood of Norwegian men and women on Your hands?

- Your Majesty...

- I have a 5 month old daughter, born in Norway.

- The last thing I want is for her to grow up amid the war.

- Please sign, here and now.

- Save Norway.

- Do like your brother. In Denmark barely a shot was fired.

- You dare to teach me about my own brother!

- About my own family!

- Who do you think you are?

- A messenger, Your Majesty, -

- who wants the best for Norway and who believes in a peaceful solution.

- A nice little peace dove, that's what you are!

- A negotiator amongst all the war merchants.

- But a peace dove wouldn't demand to surrender our country.

- This offer...

- You're not any better than Hitler!

- Majesty, this agreement is valid just here and now.

- Let's bring in the Foreign Minister again.

- Towards the Government we will not be so lenient, if you understand me...

- I don't know what you talked about while we were outside, -

- but the Government of Norway is ready to negotiate, -

- as soon as we know the conditions.

- It will not happen without the signature of the...

- Koht, what is this? - I'm saying we can negotiate.

- Please sit down.

- Dr. Bräuer, could we continue in English?

- Firstly: You can negotiate with us.

- I can't negotiate. I have clear orders from the Führer.

- I've exceeded them already. The law will be invalidated.

Please, Mr. Bräuer, we have authority.

- We are the Government. - I have to say good afternoon.

- Dr. Bräuer, we need to continue to talk.

- No. I'm sorry.

- Dr. Bräuer, please...

- I expect the Government's response by this evening.

- Mr. Koht, I'm sorry.

- It has left a great impression on me -

- that the responsibility for what will happen to the people and the country -

- if the German demands are rejected, is put on me.

- It's a heavy responsibility.

- So heavy that I dread to bear it.

- It's the Government that has the decision, -

- but my position is clear:

- I can not accept the German demands.

- It would be contrary to everything I think is my duty as a King -

- since I arrived to this country, almost 35 years ago.

- I can not cross that line.

I don't want to cross that line.

- I don't want this to be the deciding factor for the Government.

- But I have carefully tested myself...

- and weighted my position.

- And I can not name Quisling,

- that I know not to have any support from the people.

- Should the Government decide to accept -

- the German demands, -

- and I totally understand -

- the reasons to do so,

- in view of the imminent danger in which we are in, -

- and because of the large number of young Norwegians -

- that will have to sacrifice their lives in the fight.

- Should you choose to accept these demands, -

- then there is no other way for me...

- but to abdicate.

- For me and for my house.

- I understand. Thank you.

APRIL 11, 05:00 HEGGEMOEN FARM, TRYSIL

APRIL 11, 17:40 NYBERGSUND, TRYSIL

Dad, come!

To the forest!

Come on. This way.

- Come on!

- To the forest!

- Your Majesty!

THE BOMBINGS OF ELVERUM AND NYBERGSUND WERE

A DIRECT CONSEQUENCE OF THE KING'S REFUSAL.

34 PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIFE IN ELVERUM.

NO CASUALTIES IN NYBERGSUND.

ON APRIL 11, NORWAY ENTERED INTO WAR WITH GERMANY.

CURT BRÄUER WAS SENT TO THE EAST FRONT,

WHERE DURING THE WAR,

HE WAS CAPTURED AND KEPT BY THE RUSSIANS FOR 8 YEARS.

HE DIED IN 1969.

BIRGER ERIKSEN AND COMMANDER ANDREAS ANDERSSEN

WERE AWARDED THE WAR CROSS,

THE COUNTRY'S HIGHEST GALLANTRY DECORATION.

BIRGER ERIKSEN DIED IN 1958.

FREDRIK SEEBERG WAS LOCATED 2 MONTHS LATER -

IN A HOSPITAL IN ELVERUM.

HE LATER JOINED THE FINNISH RESISTANCE.

HE CURRENTLY LIVES IN DRAMMEN.

PRINCESS MÄRTHA AND HER CHILDREN FLED TO USA,

WHERE THEY REMAINED UNTIL THE END OF THE WAR.

ON JUNE 7, 1940, THE KING AND THE CROWN PRINCE WERE FORCED TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY.

THREE DAYS LATER THE NORWEGIAN FORCES CAPITULATE.

FROM LONDON, THE KING AND PRINCE COLLABORATED

WITH RESISTANCE GROUPS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

THE KING'S CHOICE WAS

A UNIQUE INTERVENTION IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS

IT REMAINS A FIGHTING SYMBOL

FOR A FREE NORWAY, DEMOCRATIC AND INDEPENDENT.

ON MAY 8, 1945, GERMANY CAPITULATED.

IN LONDON, KING HAAKON WAITS TO BE REUNITED

WITH PRINCE HARALD AND THE REST OF THE ROYAL FAMILY.

TOGETHER, THEY WILL RETURN TO NORWAY.

- Yes?

- He's here. Are you ready?

- Harald, come.

- Come on!

- Good to see you! I've looked forward to this. Good morning, my boy!

KING HAAKON VII DIED IN 1957, AGED 85 YEARS.

SINCE THEN, OLAV V REIGNED UNTIL HIS DEATH IN 1991.

HARALD V ADOPTED THE SAME MOTTO AS WAS CHOSEN BY HIS FATHER AND GRANDFATHER.

'EVERYTHING FOR NORWAY'