Monthly Archives: December 2016

Danish Royals

(VIDEO) Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark Delivers Her New Year Speech.

denmark

On the evening of December 31, 2016, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark delivered her traditional New Year’s speech live from Amalienborg Slot in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Click here to watch Her Majesty’s speech.

“Right now only a few hours remain of the old year, 2016. Very soon we will write 2017 – a new year with new opportunities, but also with the tasks and problems we did not manage to complete or solve in the old year. Writing 2017 instead of 2016 will not make our concerns disappear.

During the past year, we have witnessed terrorist attacks that have filled us with fear and horror. But we have learnt that we must not allow ourselves to be paralyzed by fear. Life must go on. We must persevere and not lose heart.

There is good reason here to say thank you to all those who make an effort to ensure our safety and security. They have assumed a responsibility which they, naturally, are under an obligation to undertake, but which they carry out with commitment and care. They are always prepared, and they contribute to ensuring that we can maintain the joy of life. For we will not abandon the joy of life.

War and poverty have made many flee their home countries to seek refuge, also in Denmark. We take care of people who need help and many stand ready to help them settle and create a new life in this, to them, very strange country. They have expectations of their new life – and we have expectations of them. Refugees need to understand the country they have arrived in: A country where not only the climate is completely different, but where the way of life and the customs are different and have a long history and deep roots.

It is not easy to settle in a foreign country. It is hard work that requires good will and an open mind.

Many new Danes have experienced this first-hand. They have worked with great determination to learn the Danish language and get to know Danish traditions. They have found jobs and they see to it that their children get a good start in life. They have gained a foothold here and feel at home in Denmark. They have become part of our community.

They have good reason to be apprehensive of being affected by the scepticism that may arise when new large numbers of refugees stream into Denmark and when some find it difficult to find their place in Denmark; but they should not suffer if others do not make the same effort to become part of the Danish community.

Exactly this aspect, to be part of the Danish community, is of great importance. It is not something that can be asked for, but it is something that comes almost unnoticeably little by little. It is there when “they” becomes “we” and “them” becomes “us” – the Danes, we Danes!

What does it mean to be Danish? Do we need to be Danish? Does nationality play any role at all in modern industrialized global society?

What a question to ask!

After all, we are Danes; but we are also different. We have a different background, we have a different upbringing. We come from a big city, we come from a small community, but each and every one of us knows that we are Danish. This is part of our identity.

Perhaps we feel it most strongly when we return to Denmark after a long journey: The signposting is in Danish – and the number plates – the weather? Well, but that is what we are used to. The language – indeed, it is an integral part of ourselves. We have listened to Danish and spoken it from childhood. It is the joy of recognition we experience. This, to the same extent as our habits and customs, is part of being Danish.

Denmark is a small country where it is easy to get from one place to another. But we are also a society where people are very busy. The children go to school, both parents have a job, holiday plans must be made; it can be difficult to see even the neighbours next door – the other families living in flats in the same building, or those a bit further down the road, colleagues at work. We see ourselves as very friendly and outgoing people who find it easy to smile and make small talk. But we must not ignore the self-sufficiency which may also characterise us Danes.

Let us make a New Year’s resolution for 2017! Let us try to see the people who surround us. Let us bear in mind also to notice those we do not know already. “How are things over there?” Is there a need for a helping hand, some care, or just a “good morning” by way of recognition, a nod to the person we are queuing with at the tills?

We sometimes feel lonely, also in the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives.

During my trips on board the Royal Yacht Dannebrog, I have visited very different parts of the country. There are places where the wheels are spinning, the business sector is flourishing, and everybody I encounter takes great pride in their work. There are other places where conditions are more difficult. It is clearly problematic for them to make ends meet and to keep up their spirits. Nevertheless, it is the smiles and the warm welcome I receive everywhere that I remember most clearly. Also where the problems may seem huge, there are people with fresh ideas, with entrepreneurial spirit; sometimes as an act of defiance.

Here on the threshold of the New Year, optimism is gaining ground and the economy is growing. Now is the time that we need people with ideas and enterprise everywhere.

Denmark cannot function without all those who make an effort in production. This applies to large as well as small manufacturing companies, and to the agricultural sector; and it applies to those who transport goods from one end of the country to another, and sell the goods to their customers, or to those who have a completely different function in our society.

Job satisfaction is altogether fundamental to our everyday lives. It is job satisfaction that makes staff as well as managers make the extra effort; job satisfaction sets the wheels spinning and leads to the unified entity which is our well-functioning Danish society. Our society which we take pride in.

This year the Olympic Games were held in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. It was a great pleasure for me to meet with many of the participants, both from the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games here in autumn after their return to Denmark. Their efforts were exemplary – and nerve-racking – and they are good role models for young as well as elderly people. Their fine results did us all proud.

Aarhus has been designated as the European Capital of Culture 2017. This is a source of pleasure to us all. I have so many good memories from the time when I lived and studied in Aarhus – in my youth a great many years ago. The Crown Prince also studied in Aarhus and got his master’s there. We go there in summer as well as in winter and our family often celebrate Easter and Christmas in Aarhus.

I wish to congratulate everybody in Aarhus and in the region on the task of Capital of Culture and I wish you good luck with the performance of this task – and I hope the rest of us will enjoy all the events in the coming year. I am looking forward to visiting Aarhus. The city has much to offer, also to the rest of the world.

Also this year, Danes posted abroad have made a great effort.

Many serve in distant places where they risk their lives and limbs in the fight for peace. They bring new hope to people who through no fault of their own have lost everything in bloody conflicts – their loved ones, their homes and their livelihood.

Danish soldiers are training the Iraqi forces on the ground in Iraq, and in Afghanistan they continue to train the country’s own soldiers. The Crown Prince has visited our soldiers posted in Iraq and in Mali. There he had the opportunity to thank them in person for their great and effective efforts.

The Air Force continues to be involved in the fight against terrorism in the Middle East where they make a very valuable contribution. It is very demanding for pilots as well as personnel on the ground.

The Navy has headed the task of transporting the remains of Libya’s chemical weapons stockpiles from the country, a necessary and reassuring task which they have performed at the same time as they carry out their important task of sovereignty enforcement and maritime rescue service at sea in the North Atlantic and in all Danish waters.

Tonight, I send my thank you to all of them, in Denmark, and wherever they serve throughout the world, for their good and professional effort and I wish each and every one of them a happy New Year.

Throughout the world there are many people of Danish origin. They are well-integrated and many are nationals of the country in which they live, but they still feel Danish and they are good representatives of Danish values. I wish them a happy New Year, we are proud of them, here in their country of origin.

Danes in South Schleswig constitute a special group of people living outside Denmark. Tonight, I send my warmest New Year greetings to them. It is always a great pleasure for me to see that so many associations, institutions and private homes uphold Danish culture, tradition and history.

On this last evening of the year, I wish to send my greetings and thanks to the many professional people as well as the many volunteers who during the holiday season contribute to making Christmas and New Year festive, also for those who are on their own, while others are celebrating.

I also wish to say thank you and send New Year greetings to all those who see to it that we are safe and secure in our everyday lives as well as on a festive evening like tonight. This applies to the Police and the Defence, the Danish Emergency Management Agency and those who are on duty tonight, at hospitals among others.

It was a great pleasure for me to travel to the Faroe Islands again last summer. As always, it was a wonderful experience to receive the warm and friendly welcome of the Faroese people. I got a clear impression of the enterprise which the Faroese people demonstrate and of the ensuing results. It is clearly visible both in terms of business and trade and everywhere in the thriving cultural life of these beautiful islands.

I send my warmest greetings and best wishes for a happy New Year to everybody in the Faroe Islands.

Also this year we have experienced the increased interest in Greenland. The breath-taking nature of Greenland is impressive and attracts visitors from the entire world. Nature is Greenland’s unique treasure house; but Greenland lies exposed. Climate change is clearly felt, and increased international interest in the Arctic region makes many turn their attention to Greenland. I am very conscious of the challenge experienced by Greenland right now, and tonight I wish to send my very best wishes for the New Year to everybody in Greenland.

In the year ahead, Prince Henrik and I can celebrate our golden wedding anniversary. We have decided to celebrate the occasion very quietly with our sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. These 50 years have been full of tasks that have given us much joy and pleasure. We and our family always meet with a warm and caring reception. It fills us with gratitude.

Also the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess and Prince Joachim and Princess Marie meet with this attention. They all add their greetings and best wishes together with Prince Henrik and me when I tonight wish you all a happy New Year with a thank you for the year that has come to an end.

GOD BLESS DENMARK”

 

Norwegian Royals

(VIDEO) A New Year’s Message from His Majesty King Harald V of Norway.

On December 31, 2016, the Norwegian royal court released a video of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway’s traditional New Year Speech.

Below is a rough translation of His Majesty’s message.

In summer we had a very special tree in Slottsparken. We called it Ønsketreet. There were people who visited the park invited to hang their hopes and wishes for Norway and the world.

Throughout the summer flickered people’s wishes in the wind. More and more came. The branches of the old tree hung heavy with the hopes of children and adults, young and old, Norwegians and foreign tourists.

For me it was nice to see that many of the wishes of the people expressed fallen well with my own hopes and wishes for our country and the future.

2016 was an eventful year filled with gratitude for us. On the occasion of our 25th anniversary as royal couple, we experienced Norwegian hospitality and warmth at its best – through meetings with people on anniversary trip along the coast, and on the many garden parties held. The Queen and I want to thank warmly for all the great memories that are created through this special year. One of my greatest wish is that we will continue to meet in freedom, without fear and barriers, without fences that creates distance. It is one of the most important values in our Norwegian, open societies.

On one of the patches a child had written to Ønsketreet, stated:
“I want everyone gets a little kinder to himself.”

I think that was a wise desire. Many feel that it produced such great demands on them that they are mentally and physically exhausted. But my impression is that many of the claims also made by ourselves. We struggle us simply out by thinking that we are inadequate.

One of the most important for us people think I’m getting to feel that there is use for us. Getting feel useful, to get accomplish a good day’s work. Many who experience to stand outside the labor market, know enough left in this.

This year we marked the 50th anniversary of the discovery of oil on the Norwegian Continental Shelf – with all the wealth it has created for Norway. Meanwhile, many just in this industry lost their jobs.

I’m impressed with all the will of creativity and change that I’ve seen and heard about this year.

One of my wish is that we will be able to see and embrace all the human resources in our country. Everyone can feel that they help and recognize themselves useful – regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or disability.

Another wish on the tree was written by a girl and a boy together.
“I wish that we make it safe for women to live in Norway – and that we must be spared to ask about this several times,” it said.

Our community should be safe for everyone. Specifically, we must work to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected best. In 2015 adopted the world leaders the new sustainability goals for creating a better world. One of the goals is about combating violence against women and children. In this area, acknowledged Norway that we must make an extra effort in our own country. If we are to create a safe society for all, it is important that it gets put into words what is happening, and that those who are able to help, is wise listeners with strong vigor.

In Oppland County had 4 to 7. step because the schools have a mission where they should write a letter to the King, which I later read. A girl had written in his letter to me: “It is important to keep the traditions of old, so they are not packaged together and placed in a dusty drawer.”

A tree is a nice picture of this. The roots are heritage and traditions. The tree above ground constantly exposed to influences that require maintenance throughout the changing seasons and life stages. As long as the tree lives, dig roots slowly deeper and deeper.

In Norway, many traditions, both religiously and culturally determined. Several of them are linked to the Christmas holidays we have just celebrated. From tomorrow – 1st January 2017 – the Church formally separated from the state. Simultaneously we mark that it is 500 years since the Reformation, which had great significance for the whole society. It is important to our roots conscious – and give new generations the opportunity to understand the references in our culture. This concerns both the history, religious traditions and narratives, myths, fairy tales, music and visual arts.

In any culture, in any country, is aware of this heritage helps to make us more whole as human beings. There is a wealth that helps us to know that we belong to a place and does not live in a vacuum. That we have been influenced and inspired by the same sources that people who have lived before us.

This we experienced when we last invited to multi-religious feast at the Palace. When we shared thoughts, cultural expressions and food from various religious treasure chests, we came closer together and understand each other better.

It is my hope that we are also in a time of ever new impulses gives space to go into our own treasury and make the content live, for ourselves and each other. My experience is that by standing confident in awareness of their own heritage, one can easily meet others with an open mind.

The Queen and I was reminded of our anchor during the anniversary church service in the cathedral on June 23 – which marked that it was 25 years ago we were blessed just there. To have God’s blessing upon the deed our – and getting kneel where both my father and grandfather had previously received the same blessing, perceived as a major force.

Youth expressed that they want stability, presence, calm and good conversation. It has always been challenging to be youth. But I sincerely feel the youth of today who are facing so many more choices and so much more external influence and pressure than was the case for only one or two generations ago.

In the midst of this I am deeply impressed by many young people. You are role models for us seniors who have failed to engage enough in topics such as the environment and wealth distribution. Many of the patches on Ønsketreet – especially the youngest – express hope for less litter and better climate. The social consciousness and conscience I meet with many of you who are young today, makes me very optimistic about the future.

One of the finest wishes I have heard expressed throughout the past year, came from a police officer who works with youth in trouble. The conversation between him and one of the youths was rendered in Dagsrevyen fall. When the young boy thought the policeman only dreamed when he thought a change for him and his friends, the policeman answered:

“Maybe. But my dream starts with you. “When the boy was silent.

My dream for you.

If we have good dreams for each other, if we want each other well – then much magic happen. It’s good for us to ensure that others can thrive. Both in the community our in Norway and as world citizens. A special thanks tonight I would inform all of you that are in service outside the country – and who might miss family and close friends exactly tonight.

Thank you for the efforts you make through diplomacy and humanitarian organizations, the police and defense – for peace, stability, health and safety for fellowmen.

Dear friends,
The Queen and I fill 80 now this year we go into. For us it’s a little unreal. Like so many older experienced before us, one feels the rare as old as the number indicates. It gives us great pleasure to meet so many people who make an impression on us, giving us new ideas, which gives us the image of the new Norway – with its opportunities and challenges. People we hope and believe will be able to build the country further on values such as trust, fellowship and generosity. People that will characterize our society with its great effort and great knowledge.

Life has taught me that it is most important to us humans do not change very much over time. We need someone who cares about us. We need that there is use for us. We need to be seen – and recognized – for who we are. We need that someone has the time to listen and be present. We need to know that we are here for something and someone beyond ourselves.

Therefore I am glad that this tag fluttered the tip of a branch on Ønsketreet:
“I want a Norway which is rich in its diversity, with the ability to love their neighbor, where one can get to be who you are. A country with real freedom! “

In the new year I hope Norway, Europe and the world can be characterized by this:

That we who share this earth recognizes that we are primarily fellowmen.
That we can collectively decide to work for a healthier world.
Choosing to fight evil with good.

And from Ønsketreet Slottsparken comes a very last hope:
“That all the wishes on the tree must come true.”

Happy New Year!

Swedish Royals

(VIDEO) His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden Delivers His Traditional Christmas Speech.

On the evening of December 25, 2016, His Majesty King Carl Gustaf XVI of Sweden delivered his traditional Christmas Day speech.  The pre-recorded message was filmed inside Prins Bertil’s apartment at the Kungliga Slottet in Stockholm.

Below is a rough translation of His Majesty’s speech:

“Dear Swedes, at home and abroad. Everyone in Sweden!

Courage.
Consideration.
Power to act.

These words are key for me. They are sometimes used to describe good leadership. But I think they can be good watchword for all of us. Not least in times of great challenges.

According to researchers in 2016 looks set to be the hottest year ever recorded. The temperature in the oceans and on land continues to rise. During the past year we have seen how extreme weather events have caused great losses around the world, economic, but above all human.

Changes in climate affect us: our ability to get food and clean water, to feed us and ultimately protect life and property. People’s lives are connected with how we take care of our environment.

Here in Sweden we are privileged to have access to clean water straight from the tap. Often we think probably not on it. We see it as self-evident. The global water shortage can be felt distant. But it concerns us all. After a dry summer and autumn we have unusually low levels of groundwater. This has led to water shortages in many parts of Sweden. Among other things, Oland – where did it last summer to drive tanker trucks with water from the mainland.

This creates a difficult situation for many. Not least for farmers. It is also an important reminder of how dependent we are on clean water.

Royal Family’s commitment to water issues is large. And I am especially pleased to also crown princess has chosen to focus on just the marine and water issues in his role as ambassador for the UN global sustainability.

Climate change and other environmental problems do not follow national boundaries. It happens on the other side of the earth affect us and vice versa. That is why the climate agreement reached in Paris last year is so important. To reverse the trend, we must cooperate.

Protecting the environment is not just a question of ethics. But about survival.

Sweden is a country of forests. A great resource that covers more than half of our country’s surface. The productive forest land equivalent to more than three football fields per inhabitant. The forest is an important industry, but
also a popular place for recreation. We are many who feel a special peace and joy when we get the opportunity to go out for a few hours in a quiet and beautiful forest.

Forestry has a long tradition in our country. For many generations, we have built up valuable knowledge about how we can take advantage of the opportunities provided by the forests.

During the year I have visited several activities based on the expertise and who contribute in different ways to sustainable development.

This summer I was in Scania to launch the MAX IV research. It will attract researchers from all over the world. One of many exciting projects is just about developing new materials using raw materials from the Swedish forest.

The development also means that switch. In Ångermanland I visited, for example, a former pulp mill. It had been converted into a modern facility for manufacturing including biofuels.

And in Vasterbotten I gained an insight into the research being done on forest-environment.

Swedish research and technology expertise are key assets, both for the environment and as a basis for Sweden’s future prosperity.

During the year the Queen and I made three state visits – two outgoing and incoming. The contrast was great: from our visit to the tiny kingdom of Bhutan in the Himalayas to the populous Germany, Sweden’s biggest trading partner. And so the visit from Chile, a country that is far away, but many Swedes have close ties.

One thing has been common to these visits and it is the interest of sustainability, climate and environment. There are issues where we have much to learn from each other.

State visits helps to create dialogue and exchange of knowledge between Sweden and other countries. I see this as an important part of the mission as Sweden’s head of state.

In a few days, Sweden will take place in the UN Security Council. It will be an important forum in the coming years. I am convinced that our country will be a positive force for peace and security. Sweden needed!

Acts of terrorism, armed conflict and uncertainty. We live in troubled times. What is this world really headed? It is a question I have asked myself many times in the past year. And I do not think I’m alone.

The news never stops up. It can be difficult to take in everything. The most difficult thing is the pictures and the stories of how children fare badly. The work for children’s rights today seems more important position than ever.

One can feel anxiety about the future. But we should not let fear govern our everyday lives. We all have a responsibility to act as role models for our children and young people.

Again, we must show courage, thoughtfulness and decisiveness.
Courage to stand up for what is right.
Caring for each other.
And action to intervene when someone needs help.

Recently attended Queen and I at an ecumenical service held when Pope Francis visited Sweden. The cathedral in Lund gathered Catholics and Protestants together to draw attention to the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

At this historic meeting, it was agreed to put the unit in front of the division. To focus on the common rather than the differences. Such steps towards reconciliation offers hope for the future!

When I look back on the past year, I feel – also on a personal level – much gratitude.

Our family has been extended with two new little princes. The Queen and I celebrated our fortieth anniversary this summer. And in connection with my 70th birthday last spring, I received many greetings and best wishes. I want to thank you for the warmth and care that we encounter. It means a lot to me and my family.

I would like in this context also send a special greeting to all Swedish men and women who now find themselves far from home in various international missions of peace and security.

To you I say: Thank you for your important work! You and your families are making great personal sacrifices, not least a weekend like this. It is worth our respect and gratitude.

2016 is about to end. Sometime early next year, Sweden its ten millionth inhabitant. It can be a person who is an immigrant or returning home after a long time abroad. It could be a child born anywhere in our country.

Regardless, he or she will be a part of our common future. For this person, I would say: Welcome! I wish you all the best!

By this I and my family wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2017.”

Dutch Royal Family

(VIDEO) His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands Delivers His Christmas Message.

On December 25, 2016, a Christmas message from His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands aired on Dutch television.  The pre-recorded message was filmed at Villa Eikenhorst in Wassenaar.

Below is a rough translation of His Majesty’s speech:

“Heaven and earth touch each other at Christmas. Christ, the Son of God is born in a simple stable. His mother puts him to sleep in a crib. Angels proclaim a message of peace and hope for a better world.

Celebrating Christmas can be confronting and make us think. Near the spot where stood the manger, now reign of fear and violence. Unimaginable are the hardships that ordinary people – many of them small children – in Syria, but also to suffer in other countries. Violence can come close. Terrorist attacks – like this week in Berlin – this year many families in mourning.

Christmas 2016 also evokes contradictory feelings. That is why I have struggled with this Christmas Speech.

We would thus like to see the angel of peace spreads his wings over the world. We would know salvaged us so much. But while there is much that makes us worried and gives us a sense of threat and helplessness. Contradictions in the world appear to be larger. And that has an impact on our lives here. Extreme seems to be the new normal. Searching for security graves groups in their own right. That often makes an open conversation impossible. Many feel in a country without listeners to live.

Who doubts about the future, often idealizes the past. We give to all of us about to nostalgia for the past. Yes, once …

We know that the reality was less rosy. And that many issues on which we are now so worried, on closer inspection, are less serious than we sometimes think.

This is very much happy as well and that life in many ways is really better than then.

“Perception is reality,” you often hear. But the foundation of everyday life is like quicksand experience the view on reality displaces. Let us honestly name the difficult problems. But if there is one country also knows and solidarity, it is the Netherlands. Without them seek the limelight, millions of carers and volunteers our quiet strength. We see you and your loving work enough?

The message of Christmas is a message of hope, peace and charity.

This is a call to each of us. How we behave toward one another? What we do ourselves to our society in such a way that everyone knows and can feel safe at home? Can we still, solve problems together peacefully?

In these uncertain times, it is necessary to keep solid ground underfoot. The values that traditionally belong to the Netherlands, also determine in the future our ability to come together. While the world seems to give us less grip, we must stick to what we share and protect what connects us.

For so we want to live here. As free and equal people. Without those dissenting need to be afraid of threats or intimidation and without discrimination on grounds of belief, race, gender or sexual orientation. These rights apply here for everyone, always.

Freedom needs space. Room to live, to move, to think and debate without fear. Space to be different from each other. That freedom belongs to us and is stronger than any act of terrorism as well.

Earlier this year I opened the Rotterdam Library an exhibition dedicated to the famous Dutchman Desiderius Erasmus. He lived 500 years ago, not long after the invention of the printing press, the Internet of the 16th century. Erasmus was one of the first who took advantage of it. Throughout Europe reading knew his work.

Erasmus was a deeply religious man with a critical mind and a sharp pen. A man who sacred cows dared to overthrow. Nothing human was alien to him and he could tremendously excited about the abuses of his time. But he always continued to search his strength in reasonable arguments and the peaceful exchange of ideas. We need each other after all.

“Nature has divided our gifts so that one man can not do without the help of others,” he wrote.

Terrorists are trying to undermine our free way of living and to undermine our sense of home. Rightly people desire in the first place safety.

In this time of uncertainty, fear and anger understandable emotions. But anger can not be terminal. The peace we so desire does not come closer as people drop out and dig. Peace begins with protecting what we share and the use of all positive forces. Without you, without you, it’s not.

At Christmas we are urged not to give up. One another not to give up. Every person counts. Christmas light shines for all of us, and it makes us see each other.

The old Christmas carol puts it nicely.

Between all the people
in the human family
Hark, the herald angels sing the glory
of the newborn Lord.

I wish all of you – wherever you are and how your personal circumstances may be – a blessed Christmas.”