On Friday, June 17, 2022, His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg inaugurated the new 25,000-meter Arthur Welter Logistics warehouse at the Parc Logistique Eurohub in Dudelange.
After the opening, Grand Duke Henri was given a tour of the facility, met with staff, and ate cake in celebration of the new warehouse.
On June 17, 2022, in a private ceremony at the Royal Palace in Oslo, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark presented the Order of the Elephant to Her Royal Highness Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway. The Crown Prince presented the Order on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark on the occasion of Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s 18th birthday.
Originating in the 15th century, the Order of the Elephant is the oldest and noblest Danish Order of Knights traditionally presented to royalty and Heads of State; moreover, the Order of the Elephant is only “on loan” to the recipient. Once an Elephant Knight passes away the Order must be returned to the Chapter of the Order; thus most of the Elephants have been in use several times.
The concrete Elephant has undergone a minor restoration for the occasion, where it has, among other things, been affixed to the Queen’s monogram, as an Elephant always wears the sitting monarch’s monogram when awarded.
Photos courtesy of the Danish royal court.
“The Crown Prince:
Your Majesties
Your Royal Highnesses President of the
Storting
Prime Minister
Justitiarius
Dear all
Dear Ingrid
Now that you have turned 18, 4 months, 26 days and 16 hours, we are very happy to finally be able to celebrate you, and have a few words to say to you. We have been looking forward to this celebration with so many that mean a lot to you, and a lot to us.
In connection with your birthday in January, you gave more people the opportunity to get to know you a little better. You gave your first interviews, had meetings with the government and received deputations here at the Palace.
For me, all this was a little special. Because I myself have been in a similar situation as you are in now, and meet an 18-year-old version of myself a little at the door.
In preparation for everything you were going to do in January, we watched videos from my 18th birthday in 1991. It starts, believe it or not, to be a while ago. And I was a serious young man who spoke slowly, and thought a lot. Especially during the interview I had with Geir Helljesen on NRK, you struggled to stop laughing.
That’s why I’m extra happy to see who you are. You have a security in you, Ingrid, which will be a strength for you all your life.
And then it’s important for me to say to you today. You have many people around you who will help and support you. You have all of us who love you. Marius and Magnus – who will always be there for you – just as you will always be there for them. Mom – who you can go to when it’s difficult, who is good at listening, putting problems into words and finding solutions. And then you have your whole extended family – and then you have me .
The Crown Princess:
Dear Ingrid. The day you were born 18 years ago, my dad and I drove in from Skaugum to Rikshospitalet. Later that day, after an absolutely beautiful birth, we came home with the miracle that is you. Today you are a beautiful young girl – ready to take the plunge into the future. A wise young lady, strong and clear. Dad and I are so infinitely proud of you and in love with you.
And as Dad said, now the two of us stand around you with Marius and Magnus, grandma, grandpa and grandma and your whole big family. All those who love you the most. You are also surrounded by good wishes from people around our country, who wish you all the best for both today and the rest of your days. You are in a historic line of heirs to the throne in this country.
Today we celebrate your authority day, our beautiful Ingrid, but also the authority day of the country’s hereditary princess. Norway consists not only of mountains, forests, plateaus, fields and seas – but of the dreams, hopes, joys and sorrows of all the people who live in our country.
Norway is the sum of all the knowledge, thoughts, actions and perhaps most importantly: the values of the people in this country. One of your most important tasks will be to stand together with all northern women and men through the joy and sorrow they will experience. Seeing them, understanding who we are together and making sure everyone feels they have a place here. As King Haakon did for his people, as Dad’s grandfather King Olav did and as your fine fine grandfather Our King has done for his people. You are walking on a path that many wise people have walked before you.
You have to find your own way, Ingrid. But none of us who know you doubt that you have what it takes to do what you want in your life.
The Crown Prince:
So on this important day in your life, I would like to talk a little bit about freedom. For all people have the opportunity to find their freedom. And so do you. I hope you feel free to take an education you want.
That you find something you want to be good at and that you find exciting. That you feel free to find the friends who are good for you. Which you can trust and be yourself with. You are lucky, Ingrid, who has many good friends around you. Many of them are here tonight.
There is also great freedom to be found in nature, in sports and in mastery. The physical mastery combined with both the magnificent and the forces of nature can give a feeling of great freedom. I have been lucky to share many such experiences with Marius, Magnus and with you. And I hope you will continue to find points of freedom in nature and sports throughout your life.
Bjørn to Berit has spoken to me several times about duty as a value, as something positive. I’m a little unsure if he said that to me the most or if he talked to others. Even in duty, it is possible to find a sense of freedom. At the same time, I understand that this is a little too violent to say to an 18-year-old. At least I did not have a great understanding of it when I was 18. But I think there might be something in it. And that’s why I wanted it today.
The Crown Princess:
Both Dad and I are concerned that you should be allowed to make mistakes, it’s part of growing up to find your own way. It is important to us that you feel confident that you are good enough just the way you are. As an 18-year-old, it is not always easy to take on what is on your shoulders. But as Dad said, I also want you to know that there is a great deal of freedom in your destiny.
We who know you know how happy you are in your country. How happy you are to travel around Norway. When you walk around with your NORWAY sweater and feel extra proud. Skiing and surfing have taken you on many trips, both with your family and with friends. It has made you famous in nooks and crannies all over the country.
Ingrid, I could not have been more proud of the girl I have been allowed to follow since your clear brown eyes looked up at me when you were born. You have always had an enormous sense of justice in you, and a strength to stand in things. You have protected your brothers with beaks and claws and great power if necessary.
I am so grateful for the trust you show me, by sharing so much of what is happening in your life, that I am allowed to know you and your gang so well and all that you stand for.
Most of all, I’m so grateful for what you teach me about your world. It makes me a wiser person.
Our Ingrid, it’s not just you who turn 18 this year. So do 57,000 other young people around our country. Who has as many dreams and expectations for what the future will bring as you, who have already experienced great sorrow and great joy. The web of life is like that for all people, you know that, Ingrid, and sometimes I can be completely knocked to the ground by the expectations you young people face. Both from yourself, from the society around you and from each other. And sometimes I want to wrap you all in a big duvet, and give you a big cup of tea and say that it’s going to go well.
So today I would like to send a greeting not only to you Ingrid, but to all the young people in our country and especially all the 04s. Remember that you must all take care of each other and have faith in you when you create what will be the Norway of the future. It is your opportunity and responsibility to create the society you want. And you should know that both Haakon and I will cheer you on.
The Crown Prince:
In all people’s lives there are hard days. When expectations feel high and the weight feels heavy, keep in mind everyone who loves you, Ingrid. Everyone who wants you well. And we who are closest must be allowed to participate and carry. Especially mom and me. Do not be afraid that we will worry too much. That’s our job, that. We both want and will be with and carry with you.
Dear Ingrid, you are a whole, contrast-filled and wonderful person. Remember that there is room for everything that is you. Both weakness and strength, vulnerability and coping. Thank you for everything you are to us. We are so proud of you and very much in love with you.
The Crown Princess:
One of the things we appreciate about you Ingrid is the joy that lives in you, and all the life you fill our home with. With friends, laughter and loud music. Now we look forward to celebrating you with family, friends, lots of laughter and maybe some loud music as well.
Our dear Ingrid, congratulations on the day.“
On the evening of June 17, 2022, Her Royal Highness Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway gave a speech during the gala dinner held on the occasion of her 18th birthday at the Royal Palace in Oslo.
Here is what she had to say:
“Your Majesties
Your Royal Highnesses
President of the Storting
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
Dear family and friends
Ladies and gentlemen,
To begin with, I would like to thank the Prime Minister and the rest of the Government once again for the fantastic event at Deichman library last night. I could not have received a better gift.
I would also like to thank my grandmother and grandfather for giving me this lovely party.
And I would like to thank all of you who have travelled from all over Europe and the United States to be here today. I really appreciate your taking the time to come to Norway for this celebration. The last couple of years we have not been able to see each other much, so I have really been looking forward to having you all here today.
Mamma and Pappa, thank you for everything you have given me.
Mamma,
We can talk about anything and everything. It makes me glad that we can lie on the sofa and watch series [television] together.
I so appreciate everything that you do for me.
Pappa,
Thank you for taking us out skiing and surfing and other great activities. You always help sort things out and stay calm when the rest of us aren’t.
I am enormously grateful for your help and support, and I know that you will always will be there for me.
I love you both very much.
Dear Marius and Magnus.
You are my safety net. I know I can always come to you when something is bothering me.
Marius,
Thank you for everything I have learned from you, and for being able to talk to me about everything. Thank you for always being there to protect me.
Magnus, you are always nice to me when I need it. Thank you for the hugs that you usually give me when I have had an extra tough day.
I am so proud to have you both as my brothers.
Dearest Grandpa, I always have such a good time when I am with you. Thank you for the evenings on the Royal Yacht, where we sit together and watch sports and cowboy movies. And thank you most of all for always having a good joke ready when the mood gets a little gloomy.
Dearest Grandma Sonja, thank you for bringing us along on so many interesting trips and adventures. Especially for all the outdoor hikes and for the stories and goodnight songs that Maud and I, anyway, will remember forever.
And dearest Grandma Marit, thank you for all the fun things you have told us. Thank you for always coming to take care of us children, and for all of our enjoyable evenings of sitting and chatting.
My dear aunts and uncles and cousins,
Every since I was a little girl, you have made me feel safe. I am very grateful to you for that.
And finally, I would like to thank all my friends.
Thank you for always making it so much fun to be together and for always cheering me up.
It makes me very proud to call all of you my family and my friends.
You all mean the world to me.
One of the best things about Norway is our democracy.
That we are free to believe in what we want to.
That we are free to say what we want to.
That we are free to love who we want to.
I am so lucky to have grown up in Norway. I have been able to experience our magnificent nature, surfing at Unstad, hot summer days along the southern coast, and snow-capped mountains in Røldal.
And not least, I have been able to meet so many wonderful people who live in different parts of our country.
We are lucky to live in a country that is constantly evolving.
Where we have trust in one another and in our authorities.
In Norway, we are committed to combating climate change.
We are committed to diversity.
We are committed to freedom of expression.
And most importantly, we are determined to continue finding better solutions than the ones we already have.
We all have our place in this society.
We are different, we have been given different tasks, and we know how to do different things.
Together we make up the Norway we love so much.
Thank you.“
On the evening of June 17, 2022, Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway hosted a gala dinner in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway’s 18th birthday.
During the gala, Their Majesties gave their speeches. First, His Majesty The King’s speech:
Speech given by His Majesty The King to Princess Ingrid Alexandra during the gala dinner at the Royal Palace in celebration of her 18th birthday, 17 June 2022.
“Your Majesties
Your Royal Highnesses
President of the Storting
Prime Minister
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
Dear guests,
My dear Ingrid,
Congratulations to you on your 18th birthday – albeit a little after the fact.
We are very happy to be able to share this day with family and friends, and with representatives from all of Norway.
I think it is quite fortunate that we have been able to celebrate your special day on two separate occasions. It has given us an opportunity to reflect on all that happened in connection with your actual coming of age, back in January.
You joined me in the Council of State for the first time – thankfully without a veto, since one never knows what a young woman with strong views like you might stir up!
It was both convivial and a bit crowded at the head of the table inside the Council Chamber when you and your father took your seats to my left and right.
That Friday in January, I could truly feel the strength and assurance that comes from knowing new generations are waiting in the wings. Nevertheless, you’ll likely have to put up with me a while longer!
And I hope I can continue to be of help, my dear Ingrid if there are things you wonder about.
You represent the fifth generation of what, for a long time now, has been referred to as a rather young monarchy – which came to Norway in 1905, and in truth is not so young anymore.
We are the stewards of traditions and values, even as we are formed by the times in which we live. The tone of the monarchy at any given time is set by whomever is King – or Queen.
Each of us probably feels to some degree that our predecessor is a hard act to follow. But we have no other choice than to do what feels right to us. To find our own inner role model, as it were.
I have told you this many times before, Ingrid, but a grandfather is allowed to repeat his most important piece of advice over and over: Be yourself. And trust that that will be enough – always.
When your turn comes, I hope you will have the same experience that I have been lucky enough to have throughout my life and calling: that there are many people ready to help and support you. Our institutions, official agencies and organizations have been here for a long time. Together with people from across the country, they will help to give you strength and will be of great support.
But all in due time, and not for a good while yet.
I am glad it has been possible for you to grow and develop in freedom and security – to be young, with everything that belongs to that phase of life. And since the mission you have been given will last a lifetime, it is important that you take plenty of time for schooling and education. You can still devote many years to this. And don’t forget to play! I myself am quite experienced at that. As you know, the sea is where I play most and best. And happily, you like being out there, too.
In my speech for your confirmation, I said that you were becoming an adult at a time when building bridges between people – and saving the planet – will be the top priorities. Recent years have also shown us that truths we believed were unshakeable can be undermined with little warning. The pandemic and the outbreak of war in Europe have forced us to acknowledge our vulnerability, both as individuals and as a world community. Our democratic values must be defended – again and again.
Your great-great-grandfather, King Haakon, adopted the motto We give our all for Norway. We are repeatedly being challenged to rethink the significance of this phrase – what it means in practice. This does not just apply to us as members of the Royal Family, but to everyone who lives in this country.
Fortunately, there are many of us who share this challenge.
My dear Ingrid,
Thank you for allowing us to follow along as you grow and mature. I love you very much and wish you all the best on your journey ahead. Happy Birthday.
I would ask you all to please join me in a toast to Princess Ingrid Alexandra.“
Her Majesty Queen Sonja of Norway’s speech:
“Your Majesties
Your Royal Highnesses
President of the Storting
Prime Minister
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
Dear guests,
Welcome to the Royal Palace and to this celebration for our wonderful 18-year-old, Princess Ingrid Alexandra. The King and I are pleased to have this opportunity to gather family and friends from Norway and abroad, and guests from all across this country. Together you represent our country, our family ties and the life of our dear princess, who will someday be Queen.
We are especially grateful to all of you – family and friends – who have travelled from all over Europe to share this celebration with us.
Finally, the time has come to celebrate this young woman.
Dear Ingrid, during your 18 years you have shown what you are made of – and displayed many talents:
You love water sports. You are a good skier. You are also fond of school, and enjoy being with friends and family. You are bold – unafraid to jump by parachute or to state your opinion. That latter quality will come in especially handy, I promise you!
You are wise, warm and knowledgeable. And you care deeply – as I said in your confirmation speech – for people, animals and nature.
I wonder what your future will hold?
Fate has given you an extraordinary task, dear Ingrid. But en route to the future you must seize the opportunities that arise with both hands – and build your own solid platform. All the impressions, learning and experience you can absorb will be useful to you later in life.
Right now you are in the midst of the most explosive time of youth, a season of burgeoning promise. Soon you will be starting your final year of school and can look forward to graduation-time festivities.
Yours is a life of great contrasts!
Today – as we celebrate your 18th birthday – you are surrounded by people who love you and wish you well. And you should know that you can always come to all of us around you to seek advice and support.
My mother always said: It’s not what happens to you that matters, but how you react to it! That has helped me greatly in life. And I would like to pass those words on to you today.
Hold on to who you are, Ingrid. Dare to think along new lines and without constraint – to do things your own way. And remember, being perfect is not an end in itself. You have everything you need to make wise choices and create a life that will be rewarding for you, for your loved ones, and for those for whom you one day will be Queen.
I hope you will always have a space of your own where you feel entirely free, where you will find replenishment, rest and inspiration – as I have found throughout my life, both in nature, especially in the mountains, and in art. Everyone needs a space like that.
Thank you for everything we have shared together until now. I look forward to following along as you make your way further in life.
I would like to wish everyone a memorable evening.
I invite you now to join me in a toast to Princess Ingrid Alexandra.
Happy birthday – and welcome to all!“
In the photo above, front row: (L-R) His Majesty King Harald V of Norway, Her Royal Highness Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, Her Majesty Queen Sonja of Norway.
Second row (L-R): Ms. Marit Tjessem, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, His Highness Prince Sverre Magnus of Norway, and Mr. Marius Borg Høiby.
On the evening of Friday, June 17, 2022, various European Kings, Queens and heirs to the thrones pose for a historic photo during Her Royal Highness Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway’s birthday gala dinner.
Front row (L-R): Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway.
Second row (L-R): Her Highness Princess Astrid, Mrs. Ferner, Ms. Marit Tsjessm (grandmother of Princess Ingrid Alexandra), Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of the Belgians, His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, Her Royal Highness Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, Her Majesty Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, His Royal Highness Prince Daniel of Sweden, His Royal Highness Prince Oscar of Sweden, and Her Royal Highness Princess Estelle of Sweden.
Third row (L-R): Miss Emma Tallulah Behn, Miss Leah Isadora Behn, Miss Maud Angelica Behn, Mr. (Shaman) Durek Verrett, Her Highness Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, Her Royal Highness Princess Elisabeth of the Belgians, Duchess of Brabant, Mr. Marius Borg Høiby, His Highness Prince Sverre Magnus of Norway, Her Royal Highness Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Oranje, His Royal Highness Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg, His Royal Highness Prince Charles of Luxembourg, and Her Royal Highness Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg.
Fourth row (L-R): Ms. Rosario Nadal, His Highness Prince Tassilo of Bulgaria, Her Highness Princess Olia Preslavska, Her Highness Princess Mafalda-Cecilia Preslavska, Ms. Katharine Jibba Butler, His Royal Highness Prince Kyril of Bulgaria, Duke in Saxony, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece, Duke of Sparta, Her Royal Highness Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece, Duchess of Sparta, Her Royal Highness Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece, His Royal Highness Prince Constantine-Alexios of Greece, and His Royal Highness Prince Aristides of Greece.
On Friday, June 17, 2022, the Norwegian royal court released a photo of the future heirs to European thrones ahead of Her Royal Highness Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway’s gala dinner held at the Royal Palace in Oslo.
In the back row (L-R) Her Royal Highness Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Oranje (not Orange) and Her Royal Highness Princess Elisabeth of the Belgians, Duchess of Brabant.
In the front row (L-R) Her Royal Highness Princess Estelle of Sweden, Her Royal Highness Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway and His Royal Highness Prince Charles of Luxembourg.
Her Royal Highness Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway is wearing the late Her Royal Highness Princess Ingeborg of Sweden’s Boucheron diamond and pearl tiara. Her decoration is the Grand Cross of the Order of St. Olav.
Her Royal Highness Princess Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Oranje is wearing the Dutch diamond Star tiara and her decoration is the Order of the Lion of the Netherlands.
Her Royal Highness Princess Elisabeth of the Belgians, Duchess of Brabant is wearing what looks to be the late Queen Elisabeth’s necklace turned into a tiara or it could be a new tiara. Her decoration is the Order of Leopold.
The Royal Correspondent 