LSE International Development alumni become King of Norway and Leader of Scottish Labour
From the Norwegian monarchy to the leadership of Scottish Labour, two alumni of LSE's Department of International Development have recently assumed roles with significant influence over national public life. His Majesty King Haakon VIII of Norway and Michael Marra MSP, both graduates of LSE's MSc Development Studies programme, exemplify the diverse pathways through which the department's alumni contribute to public leadership.
King Haakon VIII ascends to the Norwegian throne
Photo credit: Dusan Reljin, The Royal Court
On 1 September 2026, His Majesty King Haakon VIII ascended to the Norwegian throne following the death of his father, King Harald V. He becomes the fourth monarch of Norway’s modern royal house since the restoration of the monarchy in 1905, after the country gained independence from Sweden. Among his first duties as monarch was leading an extraordinary meeting of the Council of State, where he announced his royal title and adopted his father’s motto, “Everything for Norway.” He is a great-great-great-grandson of Britain’s Queen Victoria.
Before ascending to the throne, Haakon earned a BA in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, followed by an MSc in Development Studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science's (LSE) Department of International Development in 2003. Many Norwegians see Haakon as inheriting a significant legacy, following decades of public service by his father.
Michael Marra elected leader of Scottish Labour
Photo credit: Michael Marra MSP's personal website
On 19 September 2026, Michael Marra MSP was elected leader of Scottish Labour, succeeding Anas Sarwar. Marra was elected to the Scottish Parliament as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the North East Scotland region in May 2021, having previously served as a councillor for Dundee's Lochee ward from 2017 to 2022. He joined the Labour Party as a teenager and has remained an active member throughout his political career.
He was educated at St John's High School, the University of Glasgow, and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where he earned an MSc Development Studies between 2007 and 2008. Prior to entering the Scottish Parliament, Marra spent a decade at the University of Dundee, leading major national and international research projects.
We congratulate His Majesty King Haakon VIII and Michael Marra MSP on their appointments and wish them every success in their new roles. As alumni of the Department of International Development, we look forward to seeing how their leadership contributes to addressing global challenges and supporting positive change. We hope they will continue to champion issues that advance international development and improve lives around the world.