Norway

What is the Order of St. Olav?

King Harald’s gift to Prince Christian on his 18th birthday this past weekend was the designation as a Grand Cross of the Order of St. Olav. What is the Order of St. Olav? Let’s discuss. Founded by King Oscar I in 1847, though he reigned as the Sovereign of both Norway and Sweden, the Order of St. Olav was distinctly a Norwegian chivalric order. When the union dissolved in 1905, another…
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Norway

The fascinating history of a throne that has just passed from a king to a queen

One of Europe’s most popular royals has just received a brand new throne but this isn’t its first time as a regal seat. In fact, this ”new throne” has a rather interesting history that’s seen it used by a king before it became the most sophisticated prop at a series of theatres. The three Norwegian thrones for the king, queen and crown prince in the Norwegian…
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Norway

A tiny church and a scramble for a minister - a very unusual royal wedding

When the leading princess of a royal court marries, it’s usually a grand affair with tiaras, sparkle and endless celebrations. But when Astrid, then the de facto first lady of Norway, said her ‘I dos’ in 1961, it was a low key affair that changed the rules of royal romance. Her marriage to Johan Martin Ferner was controversial but the fact that it took place at all signalled a…
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Norway

New building to open at Queen Sonja's Art Stable

In connection with Queen Sonja’s 80th birthday the Queen Sonja Art Stable was opened in Oslo. Located just beside the Royal Palace the Art Stable has now for many years been an exhibition hall for royal history and modern art. Now a new building is part of the…
Norway

Crown Princess Mette Marit on extended sick leave

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway is on sick leave for two weeks but may need further rest after that. The news was announced by the Norwegian Royal Court on September 13th 2023. The decision comes on the advice of the Crown Princess’ doctor. The Crown Princess is initially on sick leave for two weeks, but this period may be extended. It means that the Crown Princess cannot…
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