Crown Princess Mette-Marit has had to pull out of an important 50th birthday trip due to illness.
The Crown Princess was due to join Crown Prince Haakon in Kautokeino to learn more about the Sami culture, language and history. However, she was forced to remain at home, but the Royal Court has not revealed her illness or if it is related to her pulmonary fibrosis.
The Crown Prince visited Kautokeino solo and learned more about the Sami people’s lives and culture. He also spoke to the Sami youth about what it is like for them growing up in Norway.
Crown Prince Haakon opened a new primary and secondary school in the town, where the future monarch praised the sports amenities and how that carries over into the children’s school work. He said: “Here there are good conditions both for learning, playing and doing sports. A good learning environment means a lot to both students and teachers. It is important to be able to look forward to going to school. Beautiful surroundings and good learning conditions mean a lot for well-being.”
Later in the day, Haakon toured the school and saw a performance by the Juoigalasat Association. He also signed a skin that will be hung up at the school. He saw arts and crafts created by the students and dancers from the Cultural School perform before his time at the school concluded.
His Royal Highness then visited Sámi University to hear more about the culture from the likes of Professor Nils Oskal and Professor Gunvor Guttorm before speaking to students about the future.
The visit to Kautokeino is part of a series of visits throughout Norway to celebrate the 50th birthdays of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit. Crown Prince Haakon will celebrate his birthday on 20 July, while Crown Princess Mette-Marit will mark her special day a month later on 19 August.
The next trip is scheduled for May, when the couple will travel to Træna.
