The King's Choice

As German forces invade Norway in April 1940, King Haakon VII faces immense pressure to accept a Nazi-backed government under Vidkun Quisling, while fleeing with his government through the countryside under aerial attack. His defiant refusal to capitulate becomes a defining moment for Norwegian resistance.

Germany invaded neutral Norway on 9 April 1940 to secure strategic ports and iron ore supply lines; King Haakon VII's refusal to appoint Quisling's collaborationist government, delivered under direct threat, helped rally Norwegian resistance to the occupation.

The film closely follows the documented three days of crisis, drawing on historical records of the king's negotiations and flight from Oslo.

Directed by Erik Poppe

Cast: Jesper Christensen, Anders Baasmo Christiansen, Karl Markovics, Katharina Schüttler

Positioned at 9–11 April 1940 within the Invasion of Norway phase of the war, as part of the German invasion of Norway. This is entry 26 of 150 in the chronological archive.

• invasion of Norway
• King Haakon VII
• Vidkun Quisling
• Norwegian resistance

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  Max Manus: Man of War

  1940–1945

• 

  April 9th

  9 April 1940

• 

  The 12th Man

  March–May 1943

• 

  The Winter War

  30 November 1939 – 13 March 1940

• 

  Darkest Hour

  10 May – 4 June 1940

• 

  Dunkirk

  26 May – 4 June 1940