An old grenade from the Second World War was found in the Palace Park of the Royal Palace in Oslo this week. According to the bomb squad of the Oslo Police, the grenade was not dangerous.
The Bomb Squad from Oslo Police was quickly called to the area on Tuesday morning at around 11 am. They created a security zone of 100 meters which remained in place until just before 4 pm when cars and pedestrians could access the area again.
All residents in the area were notified by the police. The residence of the Prime Minister is also located close to the area. However, there was no need to evacuate any properties. The Royal Guard was notified, and the Royal Court confirmed that no member of the royal family was at the Palace at that time. The grenade’s explosive had rotted away, and the device was taken away from the area and handed over to the Army for controlled destruction.
Finding old grenades from World War II still happens on a regular basis both in Oslo and in the rest of Norway. Norway was heavily bombed by the Allied nations throughout World War II as it was occupied by the Germans. Several large bomb raids were aimed at the Nazi headquarters, which was located right by the royal palace. Most of the undetonated bombs in this area originate from the bombing by British planes.
This is the second time this year that the remains of World War II ammunition have been found in the Palace Park in Oslo. During work in February, a grenade was also found just 30 meters down the street from where the latest grenade was found on Tuesday.
The grenade was found in connection with the security work that is going on around the royal family’s residence in Oslo. The goal is to prevent cars that have not been approved in advance from driving into the park and up to the Palace. The measures will not prevent pedestrians or cyclists from coming in, nor will they hinder access to the park. People must have the same access to the Palace Park as before. The new perimeter fencing around the Palace Park will be completed by the autumn of 2021.
