The King's Choice

In April 1940, tensions escalate as Crown Prince Olav reports to King Haakon VII about a crucial incident. A transport ship that sank off Lillesand was carrying German soldiers, raising doubts about Norway's claim of neutrality amidst German aggression.

At the German embassy in Oslo, envoy Curt Bräuer faces pressure from military attaché Lieutenant-Colonel Hartwig Pohlman. They work together to convince the Norwegian government, led by Prime Minister Johan Nygaardsvold, to allow German troops into Norway under the pretext of protecting against a British invasion.

On the eve of conflict, Colonel Birger Eriksen at Oscarsborg Fortress prepares his forces for an imminent German attack. He receives urgent reports about the movement of German vessels in the vicinity, indicating a looming invasion.

On the morning of April 9th, Colonel Eriksen spots the German cruiser Blücher entering Drøbak Sound. Defying orders from Oslo, he decides to engage, leading to the sinking of the cruiser by the fortress's artillery, shocking the capital.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Prime Minister Nygaardsvold discreetly alerts King Haakon VII of the impending German threat. The royal family hastily boards a train to Hamar to strategize their response amidst the brewing chaos.

Bräuer meets with Oslo's police chief Kristian Welhaven to facilitate negotiations with the Norwegian Cabinet regarding the German presence. Simultaneously, urgency grows as Pohlman receives orders to send paratroopers to Hamar to capture King Haakon and the Cabinet.

In an audacious move, Vidkun Quisling declares himself Prime Minister over national radio, urging Norwegians to accept the German forces. This declaration adds to the tension and uncertainty surrounding Norway's stance.

Bräuer receives a direct order from Adolf Hitler to persuade King Haakon VII to endorse Quisling's government. Despite the pressure, Bräuer doubts that Haakon will ever comply with such demands, indicating the immense challenges ahead.

As the German army approaches Hamar, the Norwegian royal family and Cabinet make a crucial decision. They relocate to Elverum where they plan to send Olav's wife and children to Sweden for safety, while King Haakon and Crown Prince Olav remain in Norway.

At midnight on April 10th, German paratroopers launch a surprise attack at Midtskogen. They face fierce resistance from Norwegian volunteers who are unwilling to surrender their homeland, marking the beginning of fierce combat.

The Norwegian Cabinet convenes at Nybergsund to discuss General Bräuer's request for a meeting with King Haakon. Despite objections from Crown Prince Olav regarding his father's safety, King Haakon decides to confront Bräuer in Elverum.

During their meeting, Bräuer urges King Haakon to surrender peacefully, citing the situation in Denmark. However, Haakon staunchly refuses to accept Quisling's leadership, indicating his willingness to abdicate if it ensures Norway's integrity.

Motivated by Haakon's resilience, the Cabinet collectively refuses to capitulate to Bräuer’s demands. This defiance prompts German aircraft to bomb Elverum and Nybergsund, forcing the King and his ministers to seek refuge in the woods.

Amidst the chaos of bombardment, King Haakon, Crown Prince Olav, and their Cabinet manage to escape to Britain. There, they will remain in exile throughout the war, preserving their sovereignty as Norway faces occupation.

Following the end of World War II in May 1945, King Haakon joyfully reunites with his grandson, Prince Harald, in London. Soon after, the royal family embarks on their long-awaited return to Norway, finally able to come home after years of turmoil.