Crown Prince Haakon has stepped in for his ill father on Liberation Day.
King Harald was unfortunately ill during this year’s Liberation Day, but Crown Prince Haakon was ready to take over the task of participating in the ceremonies. The Norwegian monarch was admitted to hospital on 8 May. The King has been diagnosed with an infection that needs to be treated in hospital and will remain there for several days.
The King of Norway was due to be at Akershus Fortress to mark the Day of Atonement and National Veterans Day. However, due to his illness, he could not attend, and the Crown Prince participated in his place. Crown Prince Haakon has proven to be a worthy representative of Norway on previous occasions, and his participation on Liberation Day shows that the Norwegian Royal Family stands together and continues to carry out its duties despite challenges.
During the commemoration of Liberation Day and Veterans Day at Akershus Fortress in Oslo, the Crown Prince Regent congratulated Command Sergeant Ronny Asbjørn Langvassli, who received the Norwegian Armed Forces’ medal for noble deeds.
Upon the Crown Prince Regent’s arrival, two F-35 squadron fighters, two helicopters, and a Herkules machine conducted overflights of the fortress area. After the first verse of “Yes, we love” was sung, Crown Prince Haakon laid a wreath at the National Monument for the victims of the Second World War, following an inspection of the Armed Forces Honours Department.
The Parliament President, the Prime Minister and the Chief of Defence also attended the event, where it was noted that around 100,000 Norwegian women and men have served in international operations in over 40 countries. The commemorative day was introduced in 2010 to honour military veterans and was first observed in 2011.
King Harald is scheduled to receive Italian President Sergio Mattarella on a State Visit to Norway later this week. It is not clear yet whether he will be able to carry out those engagements.
