The Royal Correspondent

Cannot wait to see part two of the NRK documentary, Kronprinsesse Mette-Marit?  Well, here is a teaser for you.

Kronprinsesse Mette-Marit

Photo courtesy of: Det Kongelige Hoff/S.Sundsbø

Recently, I mentioned that the Norwegian television network, NRK, produced a new documentary regarding H.R.H. Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway.  Well, it’s now available to watch online.  Click the link below to watch part one of the program, Kronprinsesse Mette-Marit and enjoy.    Part two will be available sometime next week.

Kronprinsesse Mette-Marit

On November 20, 2011, H.R.H. Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway officially opened the new church named, Seaman’s Church of HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s Church, Scandinavian Church and Center. 

Per the official site for the royal house of Norway:

Seamen’s Church has been present in Miami since 1981. At the time, primarily sailors and others associated with the cruise industry that used the church offers. Today there are fewer sailors, but about 4,000 Norwegians living in the area. In addition, a large number of Scandinavian tourists visit Miami – and the Seamen’s Church – every year.

The church was originally located in the harbor, but as the proportion of seamen was smaller, this location less appropriate. The new church is located in Davie, west of Fort Lauderdale, and holds both the reading room, banquet hall, offices, conference rooms and houses for three families, in addition to the chapel.

Today, Sunday, found the opening spot. The ceremony started with a consecration service, which Halvor Nordhaug, the bishop in Bergen, officiating. Then, Crown Princess Mette-Marit officially opened the church.

In her speech called the Crown Princess sailor our churches’ spiritual embassies and emphasized their important role in supporting and meeting point for Norwegians abroad. She praised the Seamen’s Church’s ability to change and the large volunteer effort that is behind an effort like this:

It shows the Seamen’s Church extraordinary ability two adapters two new challenges and realities and continue two meet the needs of Scandinavians in South Florida. It reflect the impressive capacity of the local Scandinavian community in must call financial support, and the enduring volunteer spirit That Has made the new church a reality.(…) In a broad perspective, this consecration Also marks a revitalization of centuries of strong bonds across the Atlantic, culturally and spiritually.

It is tradition to give a sailor churches named after members of the Royal Family. In Stockholm, we find, for example, Crown Princess Märtha church. Queen Sonja’s church and cultural center located in Paris, while the Seamen’s Church in New York is named after King Olav. Seamen’s Church in Torrevieja called Princess Martha Louise’s Church and King Haakon Church is located in Copenhagen.

To view photos please click here and here.

Source and photo courtesy of: Kongehuset.no

H.R.H. Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway is currently in Davie (just north of Miami), Florida where she will officially open the new Sjømannskirken (Seaman’s Church) on Sunday, November 20, 2011.

On Friday, the beautiful crown princess attended a private dinner along with 110 invited guests including sponsors who contributed millions of dollars to help construct the new church. On opening day Crown Princess Mette-Marit will actively participate in the service on Sunday.  According to the Norwegian newspaper, Vartland, she will:

…read Francis of Assisi’s prayer. It is the same prayer as the Crown Prince and Princess chose to use both in their own wedding and when they had decades to mark the wedding of the Oslo Cathedral. source

To watch a video as well as to view photos please click the links below:

• VIDEO 
• Gallery One

On Sunday, November 20, 2011, the Norwegian television network, NRK, will air a new documentary about H.R.H. Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway.  Part One of the series follows the crown princess at home in Skaugum, at the royal palace in Oslo and much more.  The documentary will air on NRK beginning at 8:15pm.  Part Two will air on Sunday November 27, 2011.  Click here for more information.

Meanwhile, on November 20, 2011, Crown Princess Mette-Marit will be in Miami, Florida to open the new Seaman’s Church.  During the event there will be a BBQ and lots of actvities for all to enjoy.

Sources: Sjomannskirken.no and NRK

Photo courtesy of Kongehuest.no

On October 11, 2011, T.R.H.s Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway visited the Work Institute in Buskerud, Norway.  Per the official website for the royal house of Norway, Kongehuest:

Work Institute is a place of learning for young people in secondary school age. They have every year between 170 and 200 participants in the four departments project in Buskerud. The training is practical and is about helping young people to find direction in life. At the institute are working out the method called Appreciative Inquiry.

Appreciative Inquiry (AI)

AI is a dialogue-based method based on positive feedback. In all proposals and all the people’s strengths and positive elements, which can be lifted up and strengthened. The Institute wants to help young people to achieve their goals and dreams through positive reinforcement and assistance in the process.

Crown Princess had an introduction to the methodology of the day, and also took part even in groups where they had come closer to young people – what they dream about, how they work and different challenges.

Activities at the center

The department also offers a variety of activities, and the Crown Prince and Crown Princess were among other things, the hall where young people can engage in skateboarding and BMX.

Work Institute in Drammen has seven different workshops where training takes place. The visit ended in a mechanical workshop where youngsters can try out various tasks such as welding and metal work, turning, car repairs and car care. Two of the students presented their road map – a list of dreams and goals – which are central to the way the program in the department.

Crown Princess’ funds

Crown Princess’ funds looking to pick up young people who for various reasons at risk of falling off. Selected projects receive financial support and invited into a knowledge network whose purpose is to share experiences and expertise across the projects.

Labour Department is one of four projects that receive support from the Fund in Innvær four year period.

This is the first time Crown Princess Mette-Marit visited the center, while the Crown Prince was on his second visit today. source

To view photos please click here and here to view another video along with photos.

Source: Kongehuest

On August 31, 2011, Their Majesties King Harald and Queen Sonja along with the crown princely couple, welcomed South African President, Jacob Zuma and his lovely wife, Mrs. Tobeka Zuma, to Norway this afternoon.

After an official welcoming ceremony the royal family of Norway along with President Zuma, Mrs. Zuma, and many dignitaries from Norway and South Africa attended a lavish gala dinner at the palace in Oslo.

To view photos as well as to watch a video news report please click the links below:

• Photo, Article and Video 
• Gallery One 
• Gallery Two
• Photo with an Article
• Video
  

Photo courtesy of: Daylife/Reuters/S.L. Solum

Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary at the Oslo Cathedral this afternoon.  To view photos and to watch a news clip click the links below:

• Gallery One 
• Article with Photos 
• Video 
• Video
  
• Article(in English)
  

Photo courtesy of: Kongehuest.no

Here is a short news report about H.R.H. Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway regarding her 38th birthday (which was on August 19, 2011).  Click here to watch. 

Photo courtesy of: Kongehuest.no

As the International Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway is currently in New York City to partake in the UN General Assembly High Level Meetings on HIV and AIDS.

According to Kongehuest.no, the crown princess gave a speech at:

 …a special side event, where the Norwegian UN delegation is hosted by the International Peace Institute. The theme is women and children’s health as key to achieving global development goals in general, and in the fight against HIV and AIDS in particular.

On June 9, 2011, Crown Princess Mette-Marit will participate in panel discussion at a side event organized by several UN agencies, including UNAIDS. It will be the main focus of young people important role in the fight against AIDS.

Also, on June 9, she will be present when the Environment and Development, Erik Solheim, Norway’s main holding posts in the UN General Assembly.

To read more about Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s involvement at the Youth Summit in collaboration with UNAIDS on June 7, 2011 please click the link here. 

Source and photo courtesy of: Kongehuest.no

Every year on May 17, 2011, the people of Norway celebrate National Day.  According to the official site for Norway:

The 17th May – Norway’s National Day – commemorates the signing of Norway’s written constitution on 17th May 1814. This date is a public holiday in Norway and is celebrated extensively by Norwegians all over the world.

After being part of the Danish autocracy for 400 years, Norway got its own constitution in 1814 and joined into a loose union with Sweden that lasted until 1905.

A limited and hereditary monarchy was introduced, whereby the king would exercise his authority through a government, while Parliament (Storting) would allocate monies and make laws. The Norwegian constitution was the most modern in Europe at the time.

Norway’s Constitution, which declared the country to be an independent nation, was signed at Eidsvoll on 17 May 1814, and despite full independence having had to wait until 1905, this date remains Norway’s official National Day.

This year, the crown princely family stepped out in front of their home in Skaugum, Norway, dressed in traditional clothing, to wave to the crowds as well as to watch the parade pass by in front of their home. 

There are lots of photos from today’s festivities so please click the links here and here.  Click to watch a video here. 

Source:  Visit Norway.com and NRK.no

Photo courtesy of: NRK.no by Heiko Junge/Scanpix

T.R.H.s Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway kicked off their three-day official visit to Ghana this afternoon beginning in the capital city of Accra.  The royal couple along with Erik Solheim, the Norwegian Minister of Environment and Development, were greeted by the,“…vice president of Ghana, John Dramani Mahamane the Flagstaff House”(Side2.no) whereupon they received many lovely gifts including a beautiful traditional Ghanaian woven costume.

The purpose of the visit is to discuss and develop “… bilateral and multilateral projects…”(Kongehuset.no) with Ghana.  During their visit the Crown Princely couple with meet with the government of Ghana, a meeting with the UN, a stop at the Norwegian Study of Cape Coast and Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre.  Of course there will be other activities on the agenda as well.

To learn more about the official visit as well as helpful facts about the country of Ghana please click the link: Kongehuset.no

To watch a video of the royal arrival please click the links:  Video One and Video Two

To view photos please click these links: Photos and more photos.

Source: Kongehuset.no, NRK.no, and Side2.no Photo courtesy of: Kongehuset.no

On March 5, 2011, the President of Lithuania, Dalia Grybauskaité, arrived in Oslo, Norway for a short state visit.   Upon her arrival she was warmly greeted by Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway.  Also on hand, and fresh from their quick holiday to the Canary Islands, were T.R.H.s Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway.

After the official welcoming ceremony there was a lovely lunch at the royal palace where Princess Astrid was in attendance along with other VIP Norwegians.  Then,  the group travelled to Akershus Castle where the royal family along with President Grybauskaité participated in a wreath laying ceremony.

Finally, after a long day there was a regal gala dinner with the entire Norwegian royal family, VIP politicians, and President Grybauskaité at the royal palace in Oslo.

To view the myriad of photos from today’s event please click the links: Siste.no and More photos.

To watch a video from tonight’s gala dinner and a speech from His Majesty King Harald V of Norway please click the link: Video

Source:  Kongehuset.no Photo courtesy of: Siste.no by Vidar Ruud, ANB