Princess Ingrid Alexandra Baptises New Lifeboat

Norway’s Princess Ingrid Alexandra baptised her first watercraft this afternoon, under the proud gaze of her grandfather, King Harald.

At the Honnørbrygga (Senior Pier) in Oslo Harbour, the Princess named the Norwegian Lifeboat Institution’s new lifeboat Elias. “I baptise you Elias. May luck follow you and your crew in your responsible work along the Norwegian coast,” Ingrid Alexandra declared before swinging the customary bottle of champagne towards the vessel. It took her three swings to get the bottle to break against the lifeboat’s hull.

Princess Ingrid Alexandra and King Harald were then given a tour of aboard the lifeboat.

The lifeboat is named after the children’s book character Elias, who is a lifeboat. The books were also made into a television series. The aim of the books has been to educate children about marine traffic and safety.

The Princess is the third member of the Royal Family to become godmother to one of the Lifeboat Institute’s boats – Crown Princess Mette-Marit baptised the “Harald V” in 2003, and Princess Astrid baptised the “Haakon VII” in 1958.

Filed under Norway
Tagged Harald V of Norway, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway.

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