tronfølger

A tronfølger is a person who is first in line to inherit a throne. The term, used in Norwegian, literally means someone who follows the throne. In other Scandinavian languages, related terms are tronföljare (Swedish) and tronarving (Danish). The concept corresponds to what in English is called the heir apparent or heir to the throne.

The status of a tronfølger is determined by a country’s laws of succession, which are often set out in a constitution or by act of parliament. An heir apparent is someone whose claim cannot be superseded by the birth of another heir, while an heir presumptive can be displaced. Many modern monarchies have adopted forms of primogeniture, where the oldest child inherits the throne, with variations such as absolute primogeniture (gender does not matter) and agnatic or male-preference primogeniture (migns inherit before daughters). The exact rules differ by country and by generation, and reforms have shifted several systems toward gender-equal succession.

In contemporary constitutional monarchies, the tronfølger typically carries ceremonial duties and acts as a public representative in preparation for assuming the throne. The role is largely defined by constitutional provisions and tradition, and the tronfølger may undertake duties such as charitable work, official visits, and representing the country abroad.

See also: Heir apparent, Heir presumptive, Primogeniture, Line of succession.