Because of her health, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit has chosen to switch out her annual “literature train” to a more urban “literature metro”. Instead of using some of Norway’s long and remote train lines to promote literature to young people, she will use the metro-system in Oslo city to reach the youth with her message. This was stated by the Royal Court to the Norwegian Newspaper VG this week.
The Royal Court also stated that because of her health, the Crown Princess must take things more quietly than in previous years. Therefore, she will be joined on some of the events by her husband, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway.
The Crown Princess said: “After good inputs, it has now become the “literature metro”. We have invited many writers, but also hip hop and slam poets. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed to this being a reality; all the authors and artists, the metro system, Oslo city and Bærum municipality, Deichman library and Bekkestua libraries. I just think that this will be really fun.”
HRH Crown Princess Mette Marit of Norway. Photo: Oskar Aanmoen / Royal Central.
The “literature metro” will start on Kolsås in the west of Oslo and work its way tough the city to Stovner in the east. There will be many stops on the way on different stations. The journey will take place on 8 and 9 May this spring. Crown Princess Mette-Marit says to the newspaper VG via e-mail from the Royal Court’s communications department that she wanted to have a “literary metro” in Oslo following a visit to Stovner’s library last year.
The Crown Princess also said: “I am so fond of reading myself, and am concerned that reading must not be lost. I am convinced that there is a book for everyone. On the “literature-metro” you get to experience writers who write fantasy, who write humorously, who writes about their own upbringing and about the body”.
The main goal of this year’s short travel is to reach young people between 15 and 25. The Crown Prince and Crown Princess will also in connection to this event host an author-school for 60 people at their home, the Skaugum Estate in Asker. Royal Central will cover some of the events during this year’s “literature metro” and bring you the latest news.
