Norway

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

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22nd September 2023
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

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19th September 2023
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

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14th September 2023
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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Norway

The royal bride whose wedding dress came via a department store

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29th August 2023
The marriage of Sonja Haraldsen to the future King of Norway, on August 29th 1968, marked a moment of joy in a relationship that had caused huge debate as soon as it was known about. For the bride had no royal blood in a monarchy where princes were expected to wed regally. However, love prevailed and Sonja married the then Crown Prince Harald in front of crowned heads from across Europe. This…
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Norway

A fairytale bride and the first big royal wedding of the 21st century

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25th August 2023
It was the first big royal wedding of the 21st century bringing kings, queens, princes and princesses together for a very modern monarchical marriage. The relationship between Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and Mette-Marit Tjessme Hoiby had been under scrutiny from the moment it became public knowledge. But by the time they took their vows, in front of the ruling houses of Europe, their romance had…
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