In Picture: Princess Maud of Wales's Wedding

The wedding portrait of Prince Charles of Denmark and Princess Maud of Wales.

On July 22, 1896, Princess Maud of Wales, youngest daughter of future King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, married her cousin, Prince Charles of Denmark (later King Haakon VII of Norway) at the Private Chapel of Buckingham Palace. Image: Royal Families (Facebook)

King Harald opens 158th Storting

The king (center) with the queen (left) and crown prince (right) during
the opening of the Storting. Image: NTB scanpix/RoyalCourt.no

King Harald V officially opened the 158th Norwegian Storting (parliament) Wednesday, emphasizing the government's plan for the coming year. The the largely ceremonial  event was filled with pomp and tradition, where attendees wearing "fancy dress and uniforms," reports NewsinEnglish.no. The opening of the Storting is one of the most anticipated events in Norway, as the highest and most powerful officials in Norway converge together--from members of the royal family, parliament and judiciary to the officers of the armed forcers and civil servants. While the king's outline of plans were specific, they might not be implemented however, since the present government is set to be replaced by the Conservatives, led by Erna Solberg.

Dutch King and Queen visit Oslo

King Harald welcomes the Dutch king and queen.
(Photo: Stian Lysberg Solum / NTB scanpix)

Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima dropped by Oslo Wednesday and were welcomed by King Harald and the Royal Family together with government leaders, including parliament president and the prime minister. The royal couple's visit was part of the series of "introductory" royal tours to neighboring countries since the King's accession last April. The Royal House of Norway's official website provides us the details of the royal visit.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima pose with the King and
Queen and Crown Prince and Princess of Norway.
(Photo: Stian Lysberg Solum / NTB scanpix)



King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima are cheered by children
from the Dutch school. (Photo: Stian Lysberg Solum / NTB scanpix)

 

Mandate called on for Norway’s royals

Mandate on the future of Norway's monarchy

Despite the widespread support given Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon, calls have been made by leftists and republicans for a referendum for the future of the monarchy, especially before taking the crown prince ascends to the throne upon King Olav’s death.

However, Prime Minister Kare Willoch came to the Royal Family’s side saying he doesn’t see a referendum of any use, especially if it causes conflict with the Royal Family, given that the King and Queen have been doing a great job in carrying out their duties. 

High Approval Ratings for Norway’s Royals

The Norwegian royal family was given a vote of confidencethis week when new poll numbers were released showing widespread support.  King Harald V enjoys 93% approval ratings while wife, HM Queen Sonja, also enjoys a high level of support at 81%.  Meanwhile, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit enjoyed 89% and 79%, respectively. More about this news at the Examiner.

The Norwegian Royal family are among the most popular in Europe.

King Harald's New Year Speech

Country and the world center of speech. 

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Like his cousin Queen Margrethe of Denmark, King Harald V of Norway also issued his year-end speech on New Year's Eve. The king talked about the trauma left by the July 22 terror attack in Oslo and Utoya, and of his duty to heal the country.

“Those directly affected should be processing strong emotions and a heavy loss in their own way and at their own time. In this slow adaptation to the rest of us to be fellow human beings,” he said.

“‘When all is no longer with and carry, it becomes harder for us,’ said one of the survivors of Utøya two months after the tragedy. Here is a challenge to each and every one of us. A challenge to show care and provide assurance. We must not forget the children. They might be sitting back with more and stronger impression than we realize.”

Not to be forgotten are the great tsunami that struck Japan, the Horn of Africa, the debt crisis in Europe, and the Arab Spring that the king took time to mention.

“2011 has been a dramatic year. The tsunami that struck Japan took twenty thousand lives and caused widespread nuclear contamination. In the Horn of Africa and elsewhere have natural disasters hit the poorest and most vulnerable hardest. In our own wealthy European debt crisis threatens to close youth out of work – to an extent we thought belonged to the past. But there have also been many positive: the so-called Arab spring. Nobel Peace Prize award to female democracy activists in Africa and the Middle East. Let’s hope this is what will stand out as milestones in history when the long lines to be drawn.”

The King continues to talk about Norway's quest against racism. The program has fared well in many ways with native Norwegians invited to the homes of immigrants. In fact the queen and the crown princess were invited over for tea by an Iranian family.

“The conversation with his neighbor over a cup of coffee or tea will also help us to understand differences and appreciate the resources inherent in diversity. At the same time it gives us the opportunity to hone ourselves to each other. We must dare. When the call is an even more important way forward.”

“Every person has a great power in themselves – that can carry us through what we encounter in life. But we can not do it alone. And I’m not alone would be to cope with life’s greatest challenges,” the king ends his speech.

Photo Source, http://www.royaltyinthenews.com, retrieved Dec. 31, 2011.

Norwegian Royal Family's Official Christmas Photos for 2011

Enjoy the Royal Family's Christmas photos. 

Holiday cheers from the Norwegian Royal Family in their official Christmas photos this year. Noticeable are Queen Sonja and the Crown Princess in their native costume, a message of simplicity and national pride that reigns in the Royal House this festive season. The Queen is shown reading a book to her two grandkids. Charming Princess Ingrid was intently listening as grandma narrates the story, but Prince Sverre Magnus seems not interested - thanks to the eye-catching Christmas tree beside him that gets his attention. King Harald V and Crown Prince Haakon are with the family, as well as the Crown Princess' firstborn, Marius Borg. 

Photo Source, Namdalsavisa, Retrieved Dec. 21, 2011.

Christmas With the Royals

A gallery of royal photos from Europe's royal houses at their holiday best.

Christmas is truly in the air and as everyone is busy shopping and preparing for the holidays, royal figures from all over the world are busy spreading cheers and merriment to their loyal subjects. Here's a gallery of photos with royals from all over Europe in their most festive spirit. 

http://www.monarchie.be

The Belgian Crown Princely family released their official Christmas portrait Dec. 15, although the photos were captured in October during Princess Elisabeth’s 10th birthday.

http://www.daylife.com

On Dec. 14, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene welcomed dozens of Monegasque children to the royal palace for the annual gift giving event, which filled the royal residence with cheer and interaction. Earlier, the ruling prince did the same to a senior citizens' home. 

http://www.casareal.es

Dec. 16, The three children of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain have released their official Christmas photographs, together with their families. Infanta Elena, Infanta Cristina and Prince Felipe displayed their love for their grown up children as well as the happy family that they are. 

http://www.gettyimages.de

On Dec. 18, Princess Stephanie, Prince Albert's sister did her share to elderly at the Hector Otto Foundation, a nursing home.   

http://www.namdalsavisa.no

Dec. 19, The Norwegian royal family released their Christmas photos. The theme was simple and Queen Sonja read How The Snow Got Color by Dan Lindholm to her two grandchildren, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. The Princess was listening intently to her grandmother while her year old brother's attention was caught by the large Christmas tree behind them. Showcased were the traditional Norwegian outfit worn by The Queen and Crown Princess Mette-Marit. For Christmas, King Harald V and Sonja will be with Crown Prince Haakon and Mette-Marit at at Skaugum Palace, outside Norway.