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 Click here for original TV2 article While some European governments are looking at budget cuts, it appears Norway has plenty to spend, especially for its royal family.
According to TV2, the Norwegian government has proposed the increase payment for the regal couple – King Harald V and Queen Sonja – by 336,000 kroner. Meanwhile, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit will receive 280,000 kroner more.
The money is meant to cover the royals’ expenses and maintenance of their homes.
In addition, the Royal Court will see an increase. In order to cover maintenance and refurbishing of palaces, the court will get 146 million kroner. This is also needed to fund the monarchy’s operations.
Source: TV2
His Majesty King Harald V opened the 156th Parliament session Monday. With his wife, Queen Sonja, and his son and heir, Crown Prince Haakon, at either side of him, the King read a speech which officially opened the Stortinget.
 Click here to view a gallery at Zimbio.com The first few lines of his speech had Harald discuss the July attacks in Oslo and Utøya by a radical right-winger.
“The Norwegian people responded by defending democracy,” the King said in a speech that was written for him. “Out of the pain grew a strong popular desire for unity, openness and participation.
“In the most critical hours and days our country has experienced since the Second World War, the people took responsibility for our values and showed the way forward. It strengthens democracy. Meanwhile, the tragedy affect people and society for a long time.”
Then the monarch went on to discuss what the Parliament will do about the response towards the attacks, such as how the police and emergency teams reacted to the bombing in Oslo and the shootings on Utøya.
“There will be a need for measures to strengthen our security and emergency preparedness. In addition resulted in terror attacks 22 Jul. significant additional costs in several areas. The Government will come back with proposals concerning allocation changes as a result of the attacks 22 July, beyond the proposals already submitted.
“Government will balance the need for appropriate security and safe emergency response to a common desire for continued closeness between the Norwegian people and key actors in society.”
From there, King Harald discussed what the Stortinget will do for this political year. He highlighted how jobs is a main focus, with the goal of having Norway with the lowest unemployment rate in Europe.
Other issues important to the Stortinget is to make Norway a major player in the fight against climate change, as well as dedicating the country to being one of the best welfare societies.
As he ended his speech, the King pointed out what his government will do in terms of law making and presenting reports on the state of Norway.
Once King Harald completed declaring the Parliament opened, a member of Parliament then spoke to give a State of the Union, followed by an outline of what the government achieved last year.
Sources: regjeringen.no, Kongehuset.no
Jacob Zuma, the President of South Africa, began a two day state visit to Norway Wednesday. He arrived with his one of his wives, Tobeka Zuma, and they were welcomed in Oslo by the royal family. The purpose of Zuma’s visit is to strengthen ties with Norway and convince its business leaders to invest in South Africa.
 Click here for more photos at Daylife.com
The President and his wife spent the first part of Thursday going through the ceremonies that go with Norwegian state visits. There was the playing of the national anthems in Palace Square, followed by a review of the honor guard by Zuma and King Harald V.
The royal hosts and their guests then went inside the palace to pose for the media and exchange gifts. President Zuma gave Their Majesties a small leather stool and three traditional clay pots intended for drinking beer. The King and Queen in return gave Zuma and his wife a book on Norway and a large glass bowl.
Later, the King and Queen Sonja brought the Zumas to the National Monument at Akershus Fortress to lay memorial wreaths. They also took them to Oslo Cathedral and the Nobel Peace Center.
President Zuma then met with Prime Minister Jans Stoltenberg for talks.
In the evening, there was a state gala dinner in honor of the South African President and his delegation. Both King Harald and President Zuma gave speeches touting Norwegian and South African ties.
The next day, while the President met with Norwegian politicians and business leaders, Queen Sonja brought Tobeka Zuma to Ullevål University Hospital, where they met with its cancer treatment team. Mrs Zuma was briefed on how the doctors tackle cancer in Norway, which has seen its survival rate grow by 68%
Trade between South Africa and Norway increased by 21% between 2009 and 2010. Since 2006, the two nations have worked together on environmental issues.
Sources: NRK.no, Oslo universitetssykehus
Ten years ago on this day, August 25th, Norway’s heir to the throne, Crown Prince Haakon, married Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby. It was hailed as an historic marriage since the bride already had a child from a previous relationship. Many thought the union would hurt the monarchy. But instead, Haakon and Mette-Marit flourished as royals and as a couple.
 View gallery at Kongehuset.no Thursday had the happily married royals celebrate a decade since their wedding. In the afternoon, Haakon and Mette-Marit went to Oslo Cathedral, the site of their nuptials. for a mass commemorating the event. Along with them were King Harald V, Queen Sonja, and Marius Borg Høiby who was four at the time of the wedding and is now a handsome teenager. Additionally, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, the two children Haakon and Mette Marit had together were as well as Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel.
During the mass, Ingrid Alexandra read from the Bible though it is not known which passage she read. Crown Princess Victoria read the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, while Princess Martha Louise read from Ephesians. 14 year old Marius read from the Book of Jeremiah.
Bishop Gunnar Stålsett led the service and he had this to say to the couple:
 Click here to view photos and videos. “It has been said that marriage is a good institution for those who like to be in an institution. You live in a double institution. For you it is there not only to keep but to endure. In good times and bad. You are not afraid to show that love has remained through 10 years. You have not invited us to celebrate an idyll, but to highlight each day.”
Stålsett mentioned the tragedy that struck Norway just last month and how then Oslo was filled with love and charity just as it was 10 years ago when the Prince married his Princess.
After the service, there was a concert for Haakon and Mette-Marit in honor of their foundation which helps both Norwegians and people abroad.
In the evening, there was a dinner for the royal family at the palace.
To see videos of the mass, click here. You would have to scroll down to see each video.
Source: VG.no
One month since a right-wing zealot murdered 77 people in attacks in Oslo and Utøya Island, a memorial service was held for those who died. At Spektrum Arena, the Norwegian royal family gathered with the relatives of the victims and the emergency workers, 6,700 in total. King Harald V was one of those who spoke during the ceremony.
 Click here for more images “I maintain a belief that freedom is stronger than fear,” said His Majesty, who blinked back tears as he spoke.
“It is good to be together at this time … As a father, grandfather and spouse I can only begin to sense some of the pain you feel. As King of the nation I feel for every one of you.”
“There is so little that has not already been said. The last four weeks have been hard for us all, but that is also why it is good to be together.
“My thoughts have been with those of you who were directly affected by the terrorist actions and those who have lost someone you loved.”
“I firmly believe that we will uphold our ability to live freely and openly in our country,” the King said.
Harald also praised the work of the emergency workers.
On a screen, the names of the dead were listed along with photographs of them smiling. Their families wept and one man was led out of the hall when he became emotional.
In attendance at the ceremony were Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria. Those two had laid flowers at Oslo Cathedral. Also there were the Prime Minister and diplomats of the other Scandinavian countries.
Sources: Reuters, Telegraph
On Monday, tens of thousands of Norwegians marched for unity and held a rose vigil in response to the dual terror attacks on Friday. In Oslo alone, 150,000 people took to the streets along with government officials and members of Norway’s royal family.
 For more photos, click here Crown Prince Haakon was part of the Oslo march and he spoke ”of a street being filled with love,”
He added: ”We have the power to meet hate with togetherness. We have chosen what we stand for.”
Earlier in the day, King Harald V and Queen Sonja joined Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg for a moment of silence at Oslo University.
The Norwegian royals have been very active in supporting and grieving with the nation, but it has not been very easy for one member.
Haakon’s wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has a connection to the shootings on Utøya island. Her step-brother, Trond Berntsen, was among the dozens killed by Anders Behring Breivik. Berntsen, age 51, was an off duty policeman who was working as a security guard for the Labor Party summer camp on Utøya. It is believed he was the second person Breivik shot.
Source: AP, Telegraph
As Norway continues to mourn the 93 people who were killed in the dual attacks on Friday by a far right zealot, its royal family has been reaching out and grieving along with the rest of the country. Sunday saw the adult members attend church services in memory of those who died and were injured.
 Click here for more images Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja, along with their daughter Princess Martha Louise and her husband Ari Behn, went to Oslo Cathedral at 11am local time for the “mass of grief and hope” service. Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and several other high ranking members of Norwegian politics also attended.
The Bishop of Oslo, Ole Christian Kvarme, officiated at service, and started by quoting the poet Nordahl Grieg: “We are so few in this country, every fallen are brother and friend”.
The Prime Minister spoke about unity during this difficult time, saying”If a man can see so much hatred, think so much love we can all see together.”
Also at 11am local time, at Norderhov Church in Ringerike, the Crown Princely couple attended a similar mass not far from Utøya, the island where nearly one hundred young people were massacred. Walking hand in hand with her husband Haakon, Mette-Marit looked visibly upset as she went to the church that included family members and survivors of the shooting.
Bishop Laila Aasen Dahl Tunsberg spoke of what she called the disastrous Friday:
“The future was attempted stolen from us. It was inconceivable many young people who lost their lives. Today we are gathered to silence and contemplation in prayer.”
 Click here for more images Just as they simultaneously attended memorial masses, the royals simultaneously visited nearby hospitals. The King and Queen went to Ullevål hospital while Haakon and Mette-Marit went to Ringerike Hospital. Both couples met with the wounded, their families and the hospital staff.
“I think I speak on behalf of all of Norway when I say that we will stand together behind you,” Crown Princess Mette-Marit told the victims.
“It is important to say to those who experienced it that everyone in Norway wants to be supportive. They were asked in an extreme situation,” said the Crown Prince.
After their visit, King Harald and Queen Sonja went to the site of the downtown Oslo bombings to see firsthand the destruction of the government buildings. The couple were briefed on the injuries from the blast and met with the police.
Also showing their support were Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel. They attended a memorial service at a Norwegian Seamen’s Church in Stockholm also on Sunday morning.
Sources: Kongehuset, Aftenposten, BT.no
 Click here for more images A day after the worst attacks in Norway since World War II, its royal family came out to comfort and mourn with the people.The once placid country is reeling after a bomb attack in downtown Oslo and a shooting of a youth political summer camp on the nearby island of Utøya. About 92 people were killed and the number is expected to rise. The suspect behind the dual attacks is said to be a far-right extremist.
Late last night, King Harald V made a televised speech saying, “Freedom is more powerful than fear” and encouraged Norwegians to stand together.
In the afternoon, the King, Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon along with Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, went to a hotel in Sundvolden, where the survivors and their families of the shooting on Utøya island were staying. Those royals spoke to and comforted the people who witnessed the shooting. The island was where the worst of yesterday’s attacks happened, and those who were killed were teenagers and young adults.
 Click here for more images Later at 6pm local time, Their Majesties and Haakon went to Oslo Cathedral to light candles in memory of those who died. This time they were joined by Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Marius Borg Høiby, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. The Crown Princess was reportedly unable to hold back tears as she lit the candles and was comforted by Marius.
After that, the family – all dressed in black – went outside for a memorial where flowers and Norwegian flags were set up outside the Cathedral. Ingrid Alexandra and Sverre Magnus held hands as they observed the makeshift memorial. At one point, the Prince picked up a note that his parents read aloud to him.
It’s nice that the royal family show participation,” said James Strande who was in the Cathedral when the royal family arrived. “I think that means a lot to those who have lost someone. For us personally, this is one of the ways we can show our compassion.”
Tomorrow morning, the entire royal family – including Princess Martha Louise and husband Ari Behn – will attend a memorial service at Oslo Cathedral.
Sources: Aftenposten
On a day few Norwegians would ever forget, King Harald V took to the airwaves late in the night to address his people following the explosion in downtown Oslo and the shootings of youths on the island of Utøya, west of the capital.
 Click here to learn about King Harald V “Today we have witnessed horrific acts both in Oslo and Utøya. Our thoughts go naturally to the survivors and the relatives. I would like to thank all those who have helped to rescue people out of this situation,” said the visibly upset King.
“In such a horrible situation it is important to stand together and support each other so that we can rise up again.”
The terrorist attacks are the worst for Norway since World War II. So far, seventeen are confirmed dead in the dual attacks, but officials say that number may rise.
32 year old Norwegian Anders Behring Breivik is in custody and it is believed he is behind both the bombing and the shooting at a summer camp on Utøya.
With the country shocked and in grief, it is for its royal family, particularly King Harald to lead Norwegians towards healing.
“Now it is important that we stand together and support each other. The fact that we do not let fear prevail. As we support each other we come through this terrible situation that we have experienced,” the monarch said in his speech.
Sources: VG, ABC Nyheter
On Monday, Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa began a state visit to Norway. The trip is to last for two days, and it is no different from any other state visit. Meaning, this one is meant to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.
 Click here to see more the state visit Their Royal Highnesses arrived in Oslo in the morning and were greeted by King Harald V and Queen Sonja at Palace Square. Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit were also present for the welcoming ceremony, which included national anthems and inspection of the honor guard. Grand Duchess Maria Teresa also took time to greet schoolchildren who were watching the event.
Next came the laying of the wreath at Akershus Fortress, which commemorates the fallen during World War II.
Afterward, Grand Duke Henri met with the Prime Minister and Parliament President Dag Terje Andersen.
During that time, Queen Sonja took the Grand Duchess to the newly restored cabin on Sæter Bygdøy at Oscarhall Palace. They were also given a tour of Seter cottage, and children from Dissimilis entertained the royal women.
In the evening came the state banquet. Princess Martha Louise and Princess Astrid were attendance.
The rest of the itinerary has the King and the Grand Duke meeting with business leaders while the Queen and the Grand Duchess will tour museums and art galleries. Also, the Luxembourg royals will go to Trondheim to see Statoil’s Research Centre.
But there is a question if Maria Teresa will continue with the state visit after today. Her brother, 58 year old Antonio Mestre, is in a coma at a Florida hospital after suffering a heart attack. Supposedly, the Grand Duchess will leave Norway early to go be at her brother’s side.
Source: Kongehuset, Wort.lu
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