King Harald's New Years Speeches


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KikkiB

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The new year speech 2004

Her kan du lese hele H.M. Kongens Nyttårstale 2004:
Denne julen har vi igjen sett hvor raskt og dramatisk tilværelsen kan endre seg. Den verste naturkatastrofen i vår tid har rammet mange land, først og fremst i Sørøst-Asia. Uten forvarsel har hundre tusener av mennesker blitt revet bort eller blitt hardt skadet, og millioner har mistet hjemmene sine, livsgrunnlaget og alt de eide. Det er med forferdelse vi har fulgt de siste dagers dramatiske nyhetssendinger fra katastrofen som har rammet så ufattelig sterkt.

Også mange nordmenn som hadde sett frem til ferie og gode dager, ble revet bort av flodbølgene. Mange er påført store lidelser og sorg, og antallet nordmenn som er døde eller skadet, frykter jeg kan komme til å øke. Det som har skjedd er uforståelig, og det sier litt om hvor kort avstand det kan være mellom glede og fortvilelse, mellom liv og død, og mellom en normal hverdag og katastrofen.

Vi i Kongefamilien deler smerten og sorgen med dere, og våre tanker går både til dere som er pårørende og til dere som er skadet. Det å leve i uvisshet fordi ens nærmeste er savnet, er en utrolig stor påkjenning. Det er vårt håp at uvissheten kan erstattes med gjenforening for så mange som mulig.

Jeg er glad for det store engasjementet som det norske folk viser ved å hjelpe de flomrammede. Det er imponerende at så mange vil være med og yte. For mange av oss kan det skje ved at vi gir penger til rednings- og gjenoppbyggingsarbeidet. Det er godt å vite at både verdenssamfunnet, FN og våre store hjelpeorganisasjoner har et profesjonelt apparat som på kort tid kan settes inn. Med de omfattende ødeleggelsene som har funnet sted vil det stille krav til innsats over lang tid.

Julen 2004 vil bli stående som en trist jul for mange på grunn av den store tragedien som fant sted i Asia. Men også for mange andre kan julen være en tung tid. Noen har mistet et kjært familiemedlem i løpet av året. Andre har opplevd sykdom eller brutte relasjoner. Da gir det ikke alltid så stor mening å synge den gamle julesangen ”Deilig er jorden”. Men kanskje må vi synge sangen i trass, som et håp om at vi kan skape en bedre verden for dem som skal vokse opp.

For meg er det i alle fall slik at jeg alltid blir litt tankefull når jeg kommer til andre verset i denne sangen:

Tider skal komme, tider skal henrulle

Slekt skal følge slekters gang.

Det handler om livet, om slekter som kommer og slekter som går. Det er neste generasjon som skal arve jorden. Det er de som må ta konsekvensene av de valg dagens voksne gjør. Forholdene vi kan tilby fremtidige generasjoner, er vårt primære ansvar. Den viktigste gaven vi kan gi våre barn, er å være veivisere og gode forbilder.

Vi lever i en verden som vokser tettere og tettere sammen, og vi blir stadig mer avhengig av hverandre. Da nytter det ikke å være seg selv nok. Gjennom et omfattende samarbeid i verden må vi utvikle fremtidsrettede avtaler som sikrer kommende generasjoners liv og velferd. I motsetning til julens flomkatastrofe, finnes det miljøproblemer som kan være menneskeskapt. Mer enn noen gang i historien står vi overfor en felles skjebne. Vårt håp er at vi sammen kan klare å møte de kravene dette stiller til oss.

Årets mottaker av Nobels Fredspris, Wangari Maathai, uttrykker dette på en fin måte: ”I dag står vi overfor en utfordring som krever at vi endrer vårt tankesett slik at menneskeheten slutter å true det systemet vi alle lever av. Det er vår plikt å hjelpe jorden med å lege sine sår, og gjennom denne prosessen vil vi også lege våre egne sår – ja, omfavne hele skaperverket med sitt mangfold, sin skjønnhet og sitt under”.

– I vår opplevde jeg for førstegang å finne meg selv på sidelinjen, som kreftpasient. Da forstår man plutselig at god helse ikke er en selvfølge, og at livet er skjørt. I møte med sykdom skjønner man også hvor nødvendig det er å ha noen rundt seg. Støtten fra familien var utrolig viktig. I tillegg satte jeg svært stor pris på alle brev, henvendelser og omsorg som kom fra hele landet. Det varmet og gjorde godt i en vanskelig tid.

Mens jeg var syk, rakk jeg å fylle 67 år. Jeg ser imidlertid fortsatt frem til nye oppgaver og forhåpentligvis mange aktive år. Nå står vi foran et travelt 2005. Hele neste år skal vi markere at det er 100 år siden unionsoppløsningen. Det er imponerende å høre om alle store og små begivenheter som skal finne sted. Kongefamilien ser frem til å ta del i et mangfold av arrangementer, selv om vi med vår beste vilje ikke rekker å være til stede over alt.

Det er tankevekkende å se tilbake på disse hundre år av vår historie. Vår nasjon har i løpet av disse årene gått fra plassen som et av Europas fattigste land til å bli et av verdens rikeste. Vi har et velfungerende og moderne demokrati der de fleste har det godt. Vi må imidlertid ikke glemme at vi har vært heldige, og at dette gir oss et ansvar å ivareta. Omsorg, solidaritet og fellesskapsverdier har særpreget det norske folk. Vi har vært flinke til å ta vare på hverandre. Det må vi fortsette med.

Denne nyttårsaften er en tung og vanskelig tid for mange, og ekstra hardt er det når en har mistet noen av sine kjære. Nå er det viktig at hver og en av oss viser hjerterom og gir omsorg og støtte til de som trenger det mest. Nettopp nå må vi stanse opp og gi oss tid til å holde rundt hverandre. Av egen erfaring vet jeg hvor viktig omtanke og omsorg er i en tung tid.

Jeg sender i kveld en hilsen til dere alle, både her hjemme og i utlandet, og spesielt til alle som på en eller annen måte er involvert i den tragiske katastrofen, med noen ord av vår nylig avdøde kulturhøvding, Erik Bye:

Barnet drømmer om i morgen,
Ikke om de år som gikk.
Verden står der villdyrvåken.
Spinn oss vern mot varg og vetter.
Godt det finnes folk iblant oss
Som er skapt for våkenetter.
Du som rår, hold hånden over
Alle dem som ikke sover.

Godt Nytt År!

This New Years speach had to recorded three times, due to the disaster in Asia. Most of the speach was dedicated to this disaster, the King expressed sympathies to the native victims, but also the tourist victims. He also quoted some lines from a Norwegian Christmas Hymn, about how the generations go on and Nobel Peace Price laureate Wangari Mathai. He mentioned his cancer last year, and expressed gratitude for all the care he recieved when he was ill. He also said that 2005 will be a buissy year for the royal family with the disolvement of the union with Sweden, and that he was impressed by all the arrangements planed throughout the year. He ended his speach by reading a poem by Erik Bye, a prominent cultural figure in Norway who passed away this year.

I hope that this makes some sense :)
 
I look forward to King Harald's New Year speech this evening.
 
Many of the so-called experts look forward to His Majesty's speech tonight, especially after the amazing Silver Jubilee speech he gave in September. And as a professor said earlier this year, he is a moral guide (moralsk veiviser in norvegian) for this country.
 
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From Kjell Arne Totland:
Kongens nyttårstale – en kjær tradisjon… | Kongebloggen - Kjell Arne Totland

Translated by me:
The King's New Year speech - a cherished tradition

While we wait for tonight's New Year speech

There is a fine tradition that King Harald speaks to his people on the last day of the year. And an equally great tradition that most Norwegians then pause to hear his majesty's words.

King Harald's New Year's speeches have evolved over the years - and I think he's become a much better and safer speaker than in his first year as king.

He held his first New Year's speech already as crown prince regent during his father's illness in December 1990.

But a year later he spoke to us as the country's new king - sitting behind the desk in the beautiful Arkade-Room at the Palace.

This room had been Harald's office in every year as successor to the Throne - and it was his permanent background for New Year speech for many years.

Today the room is Crown Prince Haakon's workroom and audience rom.

In recent years, His Majesty has held his New Year speeches from the castle's beautiful Yellow room - with large paintings on the walls and an impressive range of large prism chandeliers behind him.

And while the king at the beginning sat behind his desk here too - he has in the most recent years preferred to stand during the speech.

King Harald went early away from the tradition of many references to specific events in the past year.

He does not send thanks and New Year greetings to specific groups to the same extent as his father and grandfather, but he often cites Norwegian and foreign writers and poets.

Personally I think King Harald in many ways through his New Year's speeches have become a sort of moral guide for his people - in the word's best sense and without moralizing.

The King has an enormous credibility and impact when he speaks to us as on the last dayof the year.

We note his message - and take it with us on!

And don't even Carl I. Hagen and his FRP (Progress Party) dared to oppose, when His Majesty already in his first New Year's speeches spoke warmly about the "new countrymen" as "a great and important resource" for our country.

The King is not afraid to take up sensitive issues!
He has that in common with his good friend and colleague, Queen Margrethe of Denmark.

She speaks "live" at the same time each year, while King Harald's speeches is recorded well in advance.

So it only remains to see and hear what King Harald has on his heart later in the evening. Perhaps the speech will have some of the same elements as the wonderful speech the King held on September 1 - that reverberated throughout the world?

The Betting agencies have invited people to place money on which words and phrases his Majesty will use. And who he may want to mention by name.
The words "The Queen and I" has the lowest odds, I understand.

I always feel both solemn and serious when the King speaks to us on New Year's Eve.

His Majesty always gives us some words for thought - before the celebration breaks out, with sparkling fireworks.
 
Norway's amazing monarch gave once again an amazing speech.

Here is the speech in Norwegian (I don't have the time to translate now)

kongehuset.no - Nyttårstalen 2016

http://nrk.no/norge/kongen-siterte-politimannens-dialog-med-kriminelle-1.13299505
In his New Year speech the king referenced to a conversation between a police officer and a young criminal he had just arrested.

"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 (Norway's most watched news program ) this fall.

When the young boy thought the policeman only dreamed when he thought of a change for him and his friends, the policeman answered: "Maybe. But my dream starts with you. "Then the boy was silent," said the king

"If we have good dreams for each other, if we want each other well - then much magic can happen. It's good for us to ensure that others can thrive. Both in the community in Norway and as world citizens, "s the king said.

- Mitt ønske er at alle skal føle de bidrar
Those who have been unemployed in the past year had a central role in The King's Speech.

''I want us to be able to see and embrace all the human resources in our country. That everyone can feel that they contribute and recognize themselves as useful - regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or disability'', he said.

Videos:
https://www.nrk.no/norge/kongens-nyttarstale-2016-1.13299471

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIV2isKWDQ0
 
I found this English translation of the King's Address:

In summer we had a very special tree in Slottsparken [Palace Park]. We called it Ønsketreet [Wishing Tree]. People who visited the park were invited to hang their hopes and wishes for Norway and the world.

Throughout the summer people's wishes flickered in the wind. More and more people and wishes 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 People's wishes were the same as my own hopes and wishes for our country and the future.

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

On one of the wishes a child had written to Ønsketreet:
"I want everyone be a little kinder to Themselves."

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

One of the most important is to feel like you have a purpose, feel useful, to accomplish a good day's work. Many of those who stand outside the labor market, know this feeling.

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 in this industry have just lost their job.

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 talent in our country. Everyone should feel like they can help and be recognized as 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 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, the world leaders adopted the new sustainability goals for creating a better world [UN's 2030 Agenda]. One of the goals is about combating violence against women and children. In this area, Norway has acknowledged 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. wishes 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 be 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, being 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 do not live in a vacuum. That we have been influenced and inspired by the same sources that people who have lived before us.

We experienced this when we last invited to multi-religious feast at the Palace. When we shared thoughts, cultural expressions and food from various treasure chest, 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 25 years ago that we were blessed there. To have God's blessing on us - 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," then 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, 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 especially 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 everyone,

The Queen and I turn 80 this year [2017]. For us it's a little unreal. Like so many older people before us have said, one rarely feels 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 in 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 to 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!
 
Thank you so much for the translation, this is a very good speech, I like it! :)
 
HM the King's New Years Speeches - some facts:

1. The King's New Year Speech has a long tradition. King Haakon VII occasionally held a New Year's speech on radio and spoke to his people at the start of a new year. Crown Prince Olav held his first New Year's speech on radio in 1935. From 1946, King Haakon, Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princesss Märtha took turns giving this speech. After his accession to the throne in 1957, King Olav V held the speech every year (with the exception of 1990 when he was too weak). King Olav's speeches was very similar to those of QMII in Denmark (and more personal than those of Haakon VII). The speech was televised for the first time in 1965.

2. King Harald V held his first New Years speech on Dec 31th 1990 as regent (King Olav V died on January 17th 1991) and his first as monarch on Dec 31th 1991.

3. In recent years, he has held the speech in the Yellow Drawing Room.

4. He is famous for his amazing speeches (Norwegian experts even call him a better speaker than Obama). As I have written more than once: His world famous 2016 garden party speech (called the world's best speech) has become pensum i Videregående skole (Norwegian Upper secondary school). And Trygve Svensson at the University of Bergen (TV2 speech expert) said that he will use the speech that the King held at the Stortingsmiddag (the annual gala dinner for the parliament) in October to teach his students.

5. He has also received a lot of praise for his New Years Speeches where he has taken up things like violence against children, women and men, bullying, the rights of the weak in society (including immigrants and drug addicts). He has also talked about people who are different (including things like gay rights).

6. The court has received some criticism from experts due to the fact that the speech (which is pre-recorded) is sent on NRK1 and TV2 at 19:30. - Why? Because people at my age or younger isn't usually at home on New Year's Eve. The speech who is usually seen by 800.000, (but by over 2 million if you count the ones who watches on NRK/TV2 websites/facebook sites) should have been sent at 18:00 or on January 1th instead (according to experts). His garden party speech was seen by over 3 million.

I will try to have some coverage of the speech later tonight.
 
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:previous:
Looking forward to your interpretations tonight RN..........Happy New Year
 
HM the King's New Years Speeches - some facts:

1. The King's New Year Speech has a long tradition. King Haakon VII occasionally held a new year's speech on radio and spoke to his people at the start of a new year. Crown Prince Olav held his first New Year's speech on radio in 1935. From 1946, King Haakon, Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princesss Märtha took turns giving this speech. After his accession to the throne in 1957, King Olav V held the speech every year (with the exception of 1990 when he was too weak). King Olav's speeches was very similar to those of QMII in Denmark (and more personal than those of Haakon VII). The speech was televised for the first time in 1965.

2. King Harald V held his first New Years speech on Dec 31th 1990 as regent (King Olav V died on January 17th 1991) and his first as monarch on Dec 31th 1991.

3. In recent years, he has held the speech in the Yellow Drawing Room.

4. He is famous for his amazing speeches (Norwegian experts even call him a better speaker than Obama). As I have written more than once: His world famous 2016 garden party speech (called the world's best speech) has become pensum i Videregående skole (Norwegian Upper secondary school). And Trygve Svensson at the University of Bergen (TV2 speech expert) said that he will use the speech that the King held at the Stortingsmiddag (the annual gala dinner for the parliament) in October to teach his students.

5. He has also received a lot of praise for his New Years Speeches where he has taken up things like violence against children, women and men, bullying, the rights of the weak in society (including immigrants and drug addicts). He has also talked about people who are different (including things like gay rights).

6. The court has received some criticism from experts due to the fact that the speech (which is pre-recorded) is sent on NRK1 and TV2 at 19:30. - Why? Because people at my age or younger isn't usually at home on New Year's Eve. The speech who is usually seen by 800.000, but by over 2 million if you count the ones who watches on NRK/TV2 websites/facebook sites, should have been sent at 18:00 or on January 1th instead (according to experts). His garden party speech was seen by over 3 million.

I will try to have some coverage of the speech later tonight.

As always thank you for the wonderful information :flowers:

I look forward to your translation of this year's speech.
 
:previous: Thanks to M. Payton and Countessmeout! And a Happy New Year to you both. :flowers:

I wrote the above post right before the speech, so I didn't get time to say that some of the facts written by me differs from the facts written by the Danish royal historian, Lars Hovbakke Sørensen in the Jyllands-Posten article (where he go through some traditions about norwegian New Year's speeches) in the post by Muhler in the ''Queen Margrethe's New Years Speeches'' thread. - Why? Because I (in contrast to Sørensen) have taken the time to read through the facts.

The speech:
As usual, an amazing speech from the King where he took up many issues (including bullying). HM writes the speech himself, but gets some help from his private secretary Knut Brakstad (educated theologian and priest).

The experts: They are praising him on television again. - TV2's royal expert Kjell Arne Totland said live on the 21:00 News that the king had become a moral guide for his people.

Me: I cried under the speech.

I found this English translation:
"Det går ein stor vilje gjennom verden/There is a great will through the world," wrote Åse-Marie Nesse in one of her poems. (Åse-Marie Nesse is a famous Norwegein Poet)

This will get all living to stretch toward the light. It means that we will preferably help when we see someone needing it. It makes most of us wake up to a new day no matter what will meet us.

We live in a time when good will is not always the most visible. We get the impression that the world is marked by conflict, turmoil and contradictions. There are many stories of human cruelty and the suffering it causes to others. It may be easier to feel cold and fear than the warmth and strength.

But precisely becuase of that we need to remind ourselves and each other in the great power that going through the world, living in every human being.

For we encounter it everywhere. We meet this power in the form of people who make an effort for others. We meet it in every single story of a person who ask for help in a difficult situation - and all those who come and helped. We meet it in the personal strength among those who manage to rise and begin a new life. And we meet it in the volunteer spirit on which our country is founded.

Every little community in Norway consists of waffle makers, coffee makers, football coaches, visiting friends, willing hands and big hearts that we could not do without. An elderly lady from Vegårshei I met, put it this way: "Volunteering gives a good feeling - It is one you can not measure."

The core of volunteering is that we do something because we think it is right and important, not for personal or financial gain. With community spirit we have for generations created the foundation we stand on together today. And our strength lies precisely in that we have created it together - with our own hands, we have given of our time, shared our knowledge and commitment.

In Norway, we are fortunate to have a relatively stable economy, solid governance and a society based on a high level of trust. Nevertheless - at this time last year was highly uncertain. The decline in oil industry meant that many were unemployed. For the individual who still lack a job to go to, the situation is still difficult. But as a nation we are seeing a renewed optimism. (Oil is a big export of Norway. In fact, Norway is the 10th biggest Oil Exporter in the world. King Harald touch breifly on the job loss in the oil industry in last years speech.)

It stems from the fact that we were forced to think again.

We have done countless times before in Norway. We have an adaptability that we enjoy in difficult times. Over the past year, I have once again seen great determination and the impressive power of individuals and communities to create new jobs.

I am both happy and optimistic by what I see. It is a useful reminder that in the long term there may also be some good results from the difficult periods.

Of all the resources this country has, people are the greatest wealth. In particular, our children and young people are precious to us. We have great youth - with both knowledge, social responsibility and resilience - who are fully capable of bringing our country into a new era.

At the same time it makes me sad to hear about all the young people who are struggling mentally - and that someone eventually can not bear to live any longer.

The summer, when the Queen and I attended garden party in Maihaugen, a young woman who was working on youth mental health issues. She said, among other things: "I wish for a society where we dare to look each other in the eye and say: Here I am, and I care about you."

I could not agree more. In this simple way, we can actually save lives. Our single most important skill as human beings is the ability to understand how another human being has it.

I've talked a lot about bullying over the years, but it still goes on. Think what it could mean if we just decided that in Norway we will not bully each other!

Everyone has something good in themselves. Even those who bully and harass others - whether through word or deed. The strong will that carries us can also be used for this: deciding to stop bullying. To behave properly with each other. In the same way as those who are bullied choose to stand up to face every a new day - in spite of is to come.

Our country is from ancient times built on strong will for survival and independence. I think nature and history have shaped us as a people. We have had to live with the forces of nature and create life and livelihoods in spite. For several periods we have experienced being under foreign rule - and have had to fight for our freedom. Among other things, it has taught us to protect equality and human rights - at home and abroad. (For more on the several periods of foriegn rule, see note at bottom of page)

We must not forget our story-otherwise we can throw away the freedoms and progress we have meticulously worked for. And we can forget about solidarity with others who are still in the midst of the struggle for fundamental rights.

This also applies to the struggle for equality and for the best interests of the future. This work has been driven by the individual's strong will and perserverance. Eventually, the whole community has supported this work and follows - so together we have come a step further as a nation. But society is constantly changing. And our work is not done. We must be alert so no groups fall behind or is left out. We need both boys and girls, women and men with all backgrounds, experience and personality with us to create a good society where everyone can contribute.

In the poem of Åse-Marie Ness, the great will that goes through the world continues:

"Den lokkar fram vindruer i lavastein
Den let tørstande palmar bere frukt
Den sår solsikkefrø mellom tistlar"

"It lures the grapes in lava stone (Various Wines are produced in Volcanic soil)
The light thirsty hand makes fruit
It sows sunflower seed between thistles"

Creation is full of life that we humans have been given to manage. Knowledge is the key to acting wisely. For the will is there!

The will, among other things, turns into a green technology explosion that is currently under way. Almost no one creates anything anymore without thinking about environmental impact. This is a big advance from a few years back.

We must protect what we hold high in Norwegian society. We must be wary of backlash in areas where men and women have worked for generations to get us where we are today - whether in the struggle for human rights, women's freedom or child safety. Or in terms of the protection of nature or the unity of virtue.

Every human being sees the world and the society we are part of from his own point of view. When we discuss what is to be "Norwegian", it opens for over 5 million different interperetations about who we are. Therefore, it is not surprising that the stories are different and that we emphasize different values.

When you live abroad, your eyesight in Norway becomes extra clear. I will especially greet all those who are in service in other countries this evening.

One of the most important things about Norwegian society may be that for us it is so natural that we almost take it for granted:

That we have peace and freedom,
That everyone has the opportunity,
That we can get another chance when we fail.

It is a hallmark of a society that we are allowed to try and mistake. That we may fall - but still be given new chances by people who want everyone to suceed.

Therefore, on this last day of this year, I will remind all of us that: "Det går ein stor vilje gjennom verden/ There is a great will through the world"

It gives us the courage to fight for what we hold dear.
It means that we stand up again and again.
It gives us strength and wisdom to give each other a chance.

Happy New Year!

Note: The "serveral periods of foreign rule" King Harald was talking about are

Kalmar Union (1397-1523)
which combined Denmark, Sweden, & Norway under one monarch, which often favored Denmarks intrests over Sweden & Norway
Denmark–Norway Kingdom (1523-1814)
After Sweden left the Kalmar Union, Norway was ruled by Denmark
United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway (1814-1905)
Following Napoleonic Wars & the Swedish–Norwegian War, Norway was ceded to the King of Sweden
German Occupation (1940-1945)
After a period of indpendance Norway was occupied by German Forces during WWII.)
Article from Norway Today:
http://norwaytoday.info/news/new-years-speech-hm-king-harald/

Video:
 
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:previous: Thank you again. :flowers:

The king indeed is a wonderful speech giver. Very inspirational. ?

Happy New Years to you and your loved ones.
 
:previous: Thanks! And you're very welcome! :flowers:

More about the king's inspirational speech (my third post in this thread this evening BTW).

NRK article with two quotes translated by me:
https://www.nrk.no/norge/kongens-ord-om-mobbing-rorte-mobbeofre-1.13846209
The king's words about bullying has enormous value.

Head of the Association bullying at school, Irma Rustad, says it's not the first time the King is taking up bullying in his new year's speech.

But this year she noticed a change that made her happy.

"It was very 'sterkt' (means strong or touching) to hear the King's words. He said it more clearly than before. And he said he did not intend to give up. We appreciate that very much,'' says Rustad to NRK.
"Our single most important skill as human beings is the ability to understand how another human being has it. I've talked a lot about bullying over the years - and I'm not going to give up"

''That the king promises not to give up, is so strong!''

She (Irma Rustad) believes it is very valuable that the king takes up bullying. Over and over.

Already in 2002, the king took up bullying in his new year's speech.
In Gert's Royals English translation of the entire speech in my post 14 - one can read: ''I've talked a lot about bullying over the years, but it still goes on. Think what it could mean if we just decided that in Norway we will not bully each other!''

But that was not what HM said. - He said: ''I've talked a lot about bullying over the years, and I'm not going to give up. Think what it could mean if we just decided that in Norway we will not bully each other!''

From me: So here he is that amazing King of ours - promising to not give up. And he has again touched many people (especially the young).
 
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More praise for the King:

VG article with two quotes translated by me:
http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/...-kongen-for-hans-kamp-mot-mobbing/a/24220937/
King Harald (80) gets praise for once again taking up the fight against bullying in the New Years speech. Odin's mother, Katrine Olsen Gillerdalen (41) believes it means more than the King is aware of.

"I was very touched by the fact that King Harald (who is 80 years old) is so concerned with bullying," says Gillerdalen to VG.

She is the mother of Odin (13), who took his own life in 2014 after being bullied. In the years afterwards, Katrine Gillerdalen has spent much of her time fighting bullying, including as the head of the Odin Foundation.
"The king is such a clear and strong voice in the fight against bullying. He shows that he sees all those involved in bullying, including those who bully. Just that is important because bullying is bad for all parties," said Gillerdalen to VG.

The King has made bullying a topic he mentions again and again in his New Years speech. On New Year's Eve he repeated the fight against bullying in his annual speech to the people four hours before the turn of the year.
Katrine Gillerdalen was a guest on TV2's breakfast show God Morgen Norge (Good Morning Norway) together with her daughter this morning where she thanked the King.

Minister of Education and Research Torbjørn Røe Isaksen strongly appreciates that the King does not give up in his fight against bullying. - He said this to VG: "I think it is very important because the King's New Years speeches often creates commitment and attention. He points out that we always have to keep in mind that the fight against bullying is not over - whatever measures and means," says Røe Isaksen to VG.

He adds that he is worried that many can forget those who are affected by this serious problem.

"It is therefore incredibly important that all those who are affected have a king who says that he sees them and notices the problem they are struggling with - year after year," says Røe Isaksen.

He believes the king's personal involvement as a fellow human being, monarch and grandfather reminds Norwegians that the fight against bullying is essential and must be kept alive all the time.

Prime Minister Erna Solberg said this in her New Year's Address yesterday:
https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/newyear2018/id2583070/
A society that is undergoing change needs something to unite around.

In Norway, our beloved King and Queen fill this role.

Last year, the whole country celebrated the King and Queen’s 80th birthdays. They have reached an impressive age, and yet they still manage to view today’s society with open-mindedness and tolerance.

They stand for all that is constant, while at the same time encouraging us to be open to – and embrace – new developments.

I send my greetings to the Royal Family, and would like to thank them for being such an inspiration to us all.

In addition to TV2's royal expert Kjell Arne Totland, historians and political editors, the speech is also praised by speech experts:

Kjell Terje Ringdal (Associate Professor in rhetoric at the Kristiania University) said to this: "He goes far beyond what we can expect from such a speech. He views our lives, is optimistic and talks about our challenges.''

Andreas Birger Johansen (Head of communication at the Communication and Design design agency Halogen) said this: "He is the king of everybody who has been in trouble, and everyone who needs the king most.''

And now, over to the nonsense: Ringdal criticised King Carl XVI Gustaf's Christmas speech performance, and some of the other norwegian experts wasn't too impressed with QMII's speech either.

The only reason they criticize the speeches of our neighboring monarchs is because they have nothing to criticize when it comes to their own monarch.
 
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Wow! What an amazing New Year's Speech. It is one that anyone with a heart could understand and take to heart (no pun intended). The call to his countrymen to be exemplary people, let alone citizens, has the ability to really "inspirit" the people of Norway.

He is speaking to the heart and soul he believes inhabits every citizen and that if they listen to their better Angels it can make a difference to everyone they meet. Pretty intense stuff, but it has a lot of people ready to listen in these days of "me first" versus "do unto others . . . '
 
I'm still learning Norwegian, so I had to "cheat" and read an English translation, but it was a great speech. I'll wait for Royal Norway's translation to see how it compares to what I read.

For Royal Norway: does the King write his own speeches predominately, or does he have a speech writer?

Also, didn't Haakon give the NY's speech one year? If so, how did the pundits think he did? (He may not have; I may be mis-remembering.)
 
I'm still learning Norwegian, so I had to "cheat" and read an English translation, but it was a great speech. I'll wait for Royal Norway's translation to see how it compares to what I read.

For Royal Norway: does the King write his own speeches predominately, or does he have a speech writer?

Also, didn't Haakon give the NY's speech one year? If so, how did the pundits think he did? (He may not have; I may be mis-remembering.)


Does anyone can answer those questions, please?
 
You can watch the King's New Year's speech at 19:30
 
I am happy for the King that he recovered in time to deliver his speech himself. As always, what a beautiful, eloquent, empathetic message, echoing his annual themes of hope, sympathy and encouragement.
 
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