80th Birthday Celebrations of King Harald V and Queen Sonja

[QueenPenny]

I am actually disappointed that the Prince of Wales is not attending the gala dinner given that, according to other posters, he has no scheduled events on that day and he seems to be very close to King Harald and Queen Sonja.

I guess there may be some truth after all to the theory that Charles may feel uncomfortable in events where younger European kings are present.

Knowing that he will not be king until his mother dies (ie she will most likely never abdicate), I get the impression that Charles would rather have his mother alive & well than the title. The ages of younger kings does not enter into it IMO. But I would like to see him & Camilla attend.

ROYAL NORWAY - Thank you for all of the information, pictures, translated articles!

 

[stef]

No surprise from the Windsors, we have gotten used to this behavior over the years.

Nobody from Liechtenstein on the guest list, though I do not believe they have ever been present at previous celebrations in Norway. I am surprised not to see Prince Hassan and Princess Sarvath of Jordan, they always seem to be invited to these occassions. Very few non-reigning royals on the guest list. I think this is one of the first times that Queen Anne-Marie attends such a celebration without her husband.

A month ago I was fortunate to speak with King Constantine and Queen Anne- Marie, I was very happy to see that the King is quite well, despite all his health problems . I think it is logical that the king is not in this type of acts, his main problem is in walking, he has many problems in one of his legs, when he climbs stairs, he has many pains, it is logical that he is not in this event..The Greek royal house has an important representation besides the Queen, the Crown Prince and Princess MC and Prince Nikolaos and Princess Tatiana But I am also very surprised by the absence of other real houses.

 

[ROYAL NORWAY]

ROYAL NORWAY - Thank you for all of the information, pictures, translated articles!

You're very welcome! And thanks (again) to all those who uses the thanks button.

As I've said before on this thread (although my mother is British and I'm a big fan/follower of the British royal family), I couldn't care less about who they sent or not.

The most important thing for me is to have the Danes, Swedes, Finns and Icelanders here.

But I have to say I'm impressed with the turnout from the Netherlands. And yes, I know they are close to the Norwegian royal family, but sending the monarch, consort, the former monarch and two other members are not bad.

 

[cepe]

What we see on the royal schedules only reflects public engagements. It in no way shows what their work schedule entails not does it show events that have special security issues.

 

[ROYAL NORWAY]

What we see on the royal schedules only reflects public engagements. It in no way shows what their work schedule entails not does it show events that have special security issues.

Exactly! And I don't understand what the problem is? Sophie will attend and that's more than enough for me.

 

[RoyalHighness 2002]

I'm confused, how is The Countess of Wessex a lesser royal. Technically she is the third highest lady in the land according to the official court precedence but for some reason the Duchess of Cambridge is ahead of her at most events. She may not be popular and as followed, but that doesn't make her a junior royal.

 

[Curryong]

No offence against Sophie but I have to say I am quite disappointed that Charles and Camilla aren't going to attend this important event held in Norway, especially as it's always been said that the BRF are close to the Norwegian Royal family.

I have been on other forums this morning and it is the talk of one large international one. The impression there is that the BRF have an 'exceptionality' image of themselves, that they hold themselves aloof from other European monarchies and rarely mix with them.

While I do not think that's true privately, it makes it hard to argue the opposite when other European Kings and Queens, Crown Princes and heirs (not just the Scandinavians who are close anyway but others) happily accept invitations, turn up and thoroughly enjoy themselves.

The Prince of Wales keeping away also feeds into stories that have been around for years that Charles dislikes going to these events because several of his younger contemporaries are now of a higher rank.

I know the Wessexes have a really good relationship with other royals. However, I love seeing all the Kings, Queens and their heirs turning up for these sorts of events and mixing with each other.

It wouldn't have hurt for Charles and Cam and/or the Cambridges to have turned up to King Willem Alexander's recent birthday celebrations, for example, especially as it's always been said that Beatrix and Elizabeth are close. Instead no one apart from the Wessexes went.

William is going to be King one day. What do he and Kate know of their contemporaries in Europe and Scandinavia? Nothing. They didn't even recognise Daniel of Sweden when he came up to greet them at the London Olympics. It was left to Sophie to say hello to him, or he would have been inadvertently snubbed.

This isn't having a go at the Cambridges or the Wessexes. It's just that the absence of some members of the BRF at gatherings of other royals of similar rank is an opportunity lost, IMHO.

 

[Skippyboo]

Kate has already made a solo trip to the Netherlands. She is going to Luxembourg on Thursday. The government has started sending the Cambridges to Europe now instead of them going to Commonwealth countries. Who knows if the Cambridges have even met Daniel? Did the foreign royals go the BP lunch at their wedding? Wasn't that why there was the shin dig the night before because the foreign royals weren't invited to BP? If they did meet after the wedding, it was briefly and they would have met hundreds of other people that day. So it would be quite easy for them not to recognize Daniel and CP at the Olympics.

 

[gerry]

You're very welcome!

I'm watching the king on TV2 news channel now. It's the Liberation/Veterans Day in Norway and the King is present at Akershus palace.

I did not have time to translate the NRK article, so I chose this short article instead:
https://www.abcnyheter.no/nyheter/2017/05/08/195301046/kongeparet-far-100-ar-lang-bokreise-i-gave

How lovely that Margaret Atwood is included; are there copies available of her text?

 

[Curryong]

But that's the point Skippyboo, isn't it, in a nutshell? If more members of the BRF mixed and mingled with other Royal families they would have recognised them. It's not as if Daniel and CP are nobodies. They are senior Swedish royals.

I've already said that I'm not having a go at the Cambridges, the Wessexes or anybody else, just mourning the lack of mixing with their contemporaries of the BRF members at various celebratory events held by monarchs of other countries. As Ive said in my other post, it leads onlookers to regard the BRF as acting as if they are above other Royal houses.

 

[Dman]

I'm confused, how is The Countess of Wessex a lesser royal. Technically she is the third highest lady in the land according to the official court precedence but for some reason the Duchess of Cambridge is ahead of her at most events. She may not be popular and as followed, but that doesn't make her a junior royal.

Yes, Sophie is married to the Queen's son, but Catherine is actually the third lady of the land because she's married to the second in line to the throne. She's the most senior royal next to The Queen and Camilla.

Now perhaps the most senior royals will be sent to these events now that things are changing up in the fall.

 

[Princess Larisa]

If I’m not mistaken Charles and Camilla are going to Ireland this week. Because of security issues the exact dates and places are never announced in advance.

 

[Molly2101]

I never understand why some people are never happy with the Wessexs attending things. Edward is the son of a reigning monarch. He may not be the heir but as we have all discussed countless times before, at the time of all the royal weddings taking place, Edward and Sophie were he most senior married couple at the time and similar in age. It made sense to send them to the weddings and now they're all friends. They attend royal occasions as friends (Willem Alexander's 40th and 50th celebrations and Martha Louise's 40th). William and Catherine will have their time to attend weddings and occasions in the future when he is the son of a reigning monarch.

We also need to remember that it is the Queen who decides who goes. She obviously thinks Edward and Sophie are enough.

With regards to Sophie's precedence among the ladies - she is technically higher than Catherine if William is not there as she's married to the son, not a grandson but that's neither here nor there.

I got one am just happy to see a Windsor attend. Charles didn't att me the 70th celebrations so why would he come to the 80th?

 

[Countessmeout]

Honestly it makes sense IMO to send the Wessexes especially to private events such as these. The reality is for the past 12 years, they are the ones who have attended the weddings and birthdays. They are the ones who have a personal relationship with the continental royals. I doubt sophie would have little complaint if escorted by Albert, considering she and Edward had often socialized with him and Charlene.

William and Kate in their time will get to know other royals through state visits and tours. When Charles is king, it is quite likely that Harry and his wife will eventually do what the wessexes currently do. The POW and his wife always have extremely busy schedules. It's easier to send a younger child of the monarch whose schedule is more flexible.

Honestly who would be more comfortable ? The Cambridges who have met only a few of the guests, and at their wedding so limited interaction (a few exceptions like Mary and Fred, and Wa)? Or Sophie who has socialized with this group for twelve years? Kate will soon be making connections when she is in Luxembourg.

 

[ROYAL NORWAY]

Yet another article, but with more information:
Tidenes kongelige kortesje i Bjørvika - politiet oppfordrer: «La bilen stå» - Aftenposten

The royal cortège of the times in Bjørvika -the police urges: "Leave the car."

Majesties, Dukes, Duchess, Princesses: Especially on Wednesday, royal guests will embrace the center of Oslo. Then you should leave the car, encourages the police. On Tuesday, it will be a people's party at the palace square.

The Oslo traffic is "heavily burdened" during the celebration of the 80th birthdays of the King and Queen, the police says.

Wednesday, the biggest cortège of its kind will be the center of the day.

Between 30 and 40 high and low noble
guests are expected to Oslo on Tuesday, in connection with King Harald and Queen Sonja's 80th birthdays.

It is the official joint celebration that will take place now: The King had a round day in February; The queen is 80 on July 4th.

The Opera House is debuting

The biggest event will be the Government dinner on Wednesday. At 19:00 that evening, the opera house in Bjørvika will simply debut as a royal venue.

Never before has the marble building been used for a royal dinner for 300 people.

It is also new that both the honorary guests and the other royals are driven down to Oslo's new district, right by the fjord.

According to the police, the cortège will particularly affect traffic in Karl Johans gate, the railway station and Queen Euphemia Street.

The audience who wants to watch the event s will see a record number of cars in Bjørvika. This is the first time that so many prominent guests have been invited to the Norwegian Opera.

"Largest for a very, very long time"

The cortèges are going to appear in many places in the city center. Both hotels and other residences will be used as accommodation for the royal guests in the following days.

Specific information about which other streets that are temporarily blocked is not provided for safety reasons.

Section leader and superintendent Finn Erik Grønli in the Oslo police explains:

"For the police Traffic Corps, this will be one of the biggest tasks for very, very long time. We are planning the arrangements with style and smile. The police want to make it as smooth as possible. Both Tuesday and Wednesday there are many barriers in the center, but we open them as soon as possible. People are encouraged to show consideration and follow police instructions'' says the superintendent.

The official celebration of the royal couple begins Tuesday afternoon and ends at 23 o'clock the following evening. Traffic is also affected by the following conditions:

Departure from Honnørbryggen

There will be a short check-in between Gardermoen and Oslo city center when heads of state and royal arrives - and travel home. Probably this will happen on Tuesday morning as well as Thursday, without specific information being given.

On Tuesday evening the King and Queen holds a gala dinner at the palace. The jubilants and the royal guests arrive at the palace balcony at. 18:30. From 17.30 there will be entertainment at palace square. Large crowds are expected, as well as cortège driving of some of the guests.

Wednesday a 11:00, It's the lunch at the royal Yacht "Norway". For the guests, there will be a departure - and return - at Honnørbryggen, right in front of the City Hall. The streets around the town hall square will be marked by the fact that a large number of royal people will attend that morning.

And here you can see them

Tuesday afternoon there will be a people's party at palace square. At 6.30 pm, the royals arrive at the palace balcony. On Wednesday you can see them in the city streets, in front of the City Hall and at the Opera.

The official celebration of King and Queen's 80's birthdays begins Tuesday afternoon. From 5.30 pm, H.M. The King's Guard contributes musically, at the Palace Square. At the same place, actor Bjarte Hjelmeland will talk to the jubilants.

Between 30 and 40 royal people are waiting for Oslo. At 18.30 on Tuesday they arrive at the palace balcony. 90 minutes later, the gala dinner begins at the palace. Where the King and Queen are hosts.

Lunch at the royal yacht

At 11 o'clock, King Harald and Queen Sonja will have lunch for the guests aboard the royal yachy "Norway". The departure takes place at the newly restored Honnørbryggen, right in front of the Town Hall. The government's official dinner, in the Opera foyer, starts Wednesday at. 19:00.

Along the entire route, from the palace downwards, the honorary guests will drive in cars - without sooted glass. Also from other places in Oslo there will bee royal cortèges.

Denmark's Queen arrives in the royal ship "Dannebrog", where she will also live. From Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and Sweden, both kings and queens are attending. From Luxembourg, the grand duke couple, his oldest son and wife.

 

[Hovikirjeenvaihtaj]

Yes, I have talked to NRK by phone and they said that they thought there will be a live stream that people can watch outside Norway. I will post more information (possible links) about it tomorrow.

I will watch it on TV2 News Channel (because they are best on such things), but one must have a subscription to watch it online, so that's not an alternative for people here.

Thank you for all the info you've provided ROYAL NORWAY! Most appreciated

I would love to have links to feeds that we foreigners will be able to watch when and if you find those. I was able to locate the NRK links but can't find any information if those are restricted or not. I have quite a few people in my blog wanting to see these celebrations!

 

[ROYAL NORWAY]

Queen Margrethe II has given a interview to Norwegian media again (she does that everytime she is in Norway).

The interview was done during her holiday (this year) in the cottage she lives in when she is in Norway - here are some of what she said:

Dronning Margrethe II om Harald og Sonja: «De er en slags gåte, disse vennskapene» - Aftenposten

How does the Queen want to describe the relationship between the royal houses of Norway and Denmark?

"The ties are very tight because we are so close relative. This is one side of the case. Another thing is that there has been a real friendship between us over the years. King Harald and I are not just colleagues and relatives, but also really good friends. I greatly appreciate the close friendship with him and Queen Sonja. When I started walking the many tours with her, I also had the opportunity to meet Crown Prince Harald much more.''

On the personal level, the Queens Margrethe and Sonja appear to be quite different. At the same time, your Majesties have strong common interests, even indoors?

''That's what's fun. She knows a lot about art and is really interested. I think it's so funny and so nice that she now unfolds as a visual artist. This makes her really good. I am full of admiration for her abilities. It's very nice, what she's making.''

Back to the cruises: Can you say that our King and Queen has brought Europe's royal houses closer together?

''You can say that. We were a lot of people who participated, and in Norway you get nature experiences that are amazing to be around. The third trip was in connection with the 70th birthdays of the Norwegian royal couple, in southern Norway. There I shall say that it rained! Nevertheless, the trip was very successful, maybe also because this was the third. Thus, everyone knew each other better.''

- Last year, he celebrated 25 years of throne. How does your Majesty think that the royal house has evolved under King Harald V?

''It's no good idea to give your good friend and relative character. You don't do that. But I have been able to follow him, and I have seen how outstanding he is in his place. Without further notice, you can see how well liked and respected the king of Norway is. Surely he has had something to live up to, with his father and grandfather, but I promise that he is a prime representative of his family. That I have to say.''

King Harald is the only monarch in Europe who meets weekly with his ministers, he is even wearinga gala uniform. Your Majesty follows other traditions?

''Yes, in Denmark, the tradition indicates that the regent has talks with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister, individually, about once a week. In this way, you will be informed of what the prime minister thinks and does and how the foreign minister is looking at the situation. This is very nice and very enlightening. State councils are held when needed.''

No other kingdoms have a ban on nobility. On the other hand: The Government's weekly meetings at the Palace are outstandingly formal.''

"You really are right in this. I think that we can allow us to say that Norwegians have a fun blend: Something is completely informal, while sometimes it's time to do the opposite. I can promise that! Perhaps there is a bit more of this in Norway than in Denmark, but it is not as wild as in Sweden.''

Wild?

''With the formal, I mean. We all think that the Swedes are more formal. Of course, they are not necessarily, but at the same time, when it really matters, they are.''

 

[Spheno]

Wild?

''With the formal, I mean. We all think that the Swedes are more formal. Of course, they are not necessarily, but at the same time, when it really matters, they are.''

I see Muhler saying this

 

[ROYAL NORWAY]

Thank you for all the info you've provided ROYAL NORWAY! Most appreciated

I would love to have links to feeds that we foreigners will be able to watch when and if you find those. I was able to locate the NRK links but can't find any information if those are restricted or not. I have quite a few people in my blog wanting to see these celebrations!

You're very welcome! I have talked to NRK again, and they said that it will be a live stream that people can watch outside Norway from 17:20 Norwegian time.

 

[ROYAL NORWAY]

Their Majesties The King and Queen receive deputations on the occasion of their 80th anniversaries (11:00) - live stream: https://www.nrk.no/video/PS*f8392

Edit: Rewind in the video and watch when the leadership in parliament was at the palace. It will soon be live again when the government comes.

Edit: Live now.

Edit: And now NRK was thrown out again.

Edit: The Supreme Court will arrive at the palace shortly. NRK will be live again.

Edit: Supreme Court arrives - live now.

Edit: And now NRK was thrown out again.

Edit: The Sami Parliament of Norway arrives at the palace shortly.

Edit: Live now.

Edit: And now NRK was thrown out again.

Edit: The county governors arrives at the palace shortly.

Edit: Live now.

Edit: And now NRK was thrown out again.

Edit: The diplomatic corps arrives at the palace shortly.

Edit: Live now.

Edit: And now NRK was thrown out again.

Edit: The armed forces arrives.

Edit: And now NRK was thrown out again.

Edit: The Norwegian church arrives shortly.

Edit: Live now.

Edit: And now NRK was thrown out again.

Edit: Co-operation Council for Faith and Life arrive at the palace - live now.

Edit: And now NRK was thrown out again.

Edit: Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities arrive at the palace.

Edit: The live broadcast is over.

 

[Iain]

I am actually disappointed that the Prince of Wales is not attending the gala dinner given that, according to other posters, he has no scheduled events on that day and he seems to be very close to King Harald and Queen Sonja.

I guess there may be some truth after all to the theory that Charles may feel uncomfortable in events where younger European kings are present.

I'm sure Charles does feel uncomfortable at these royal gatherings because many monarchs are younger than him and the "old" monarchs are only a few years older than him. When he attended Willem Alexander's inauguration I'm sure he must have had a feeling of deja vu as he had been at Beatrix's inauguration too. I like Charles and just wish his mother would say to herself "it's time to make way for younger blood." Not that Charles is all that young now. I can see him at his coronation going up the aisle with a zimmer.

 

[ROYAL NORWAY]

I will continue my live raporting in my above post (234) as long people from the Official Norway arrive.

 

[Muhler]

You are doing a brilliant job, Royal Norway.

Queen Margrethe II has given a interview to Norwegian media again (she does that everytime she is in Norway).

The interview was done during her holiday (this year) in the cottage she lives in when she is in Norway - here are some of what she said:

Dronning Margrethe II om Harald og Sonja: «De er en slags gåte, disse vennskapene» - Aftenposten

Thanks, Royal Norway.
That's a typical QMII interview. A journalist will have to get up early to keep up with her!

I see Muhler saying this

 

[ROYAL NORWAY]

Thanks, Muhler.

A quote from this article with video - trancelated by me:
https://www.nrk.no/kultur/kongeparets-storslatte-80-arsfeiring-starter-i-dag-1.13508197

The Prime Minister was among the first to come to the palace to congratulate the King and Queen on Tuesday. The 80th birthdays of the royal couple in the capital officially starts this afternoon.

Prime Minister Erna Solberg, Minister of Finance Siv Jensen and Government Council Anne Nafstad Lyftingsmo were among the first to arrive at the palace to congratulate the royal couple on Tuesday morning.

Both representatives from, among other things, the government, the Supreme Court, the county councils and the Sami Parliament were at the palace Tuesday to congratulate the royal couple.

The celebrations dominates the news here in Norway: NRK1 follows it every hour in their news bradcasts and is live from the palace etc. TV2 News Channel talks about it all the time and Kjell Arne Totland has been in the studio again.

Pictures from the article with the interview of QMII:

http://ap.mnocdn.no/images/ab030986-0ef6-482b-bc92-148716ea5535?fit=crop&q=80&w=1440

http://ap.mnocdn.no/images/0f97c6cb-245e-4ee1-8c8a-6a384b574ab6?fit=crop&q=80&w=1440

http://ap.mnocdn.no/images/b2eb8514-6a03-4f02-8e37-c4b39e447109?fit=crop&q=80&w=1440

http://ap.mnocdn.no/images/69683059-21dc-4ec4-ab7d-57797d173d24?fit=crop&q=80&w=1440

http://ap.mnocdn.no/images/0c81823d-0672-454e-a751-b8ade0a1deb5?fit=crop&q=80&w=1440

http://ap.mnocdn.no/images/766bef69-1e06-42bb-b0c5-51efb4db72be?fit=crop&q=80&w=1440

http://ap.mnocdn.no/images/54d2ecd3-5e71-44d0-adb3-c0c675f65842?fit=crop&q=80&w=1440

http://ap.mnocdn.no/images/56e5f5f9-313f-4795-9cac-050576e4b18c?fit=crop&q=80&w=1440

 

[Mbruno]

Queen Margrethe II has given a interview to Norwegian media again (she does that everytime she is in Norway).

The interview was done during her holiday (this year) in the cottage she lives in when she is in Norway - here are some of what she said:

Dronning Margrethe II om Harald og Sonja: «De er en slags gåte, disse vennskapene» - Aftenposten

It is interesting that Queen Margrethe II refers to the Swedish court as being more "formal". I suppose that might have been true in the years up to King Gustaf VI Adolf, but, nowadays, I get exactly the opposite impression. Maybe I misunderstood what the Queen said, or there was a problem with the translation. Any thoughts on this issue ?

 

[ROYAL NORWAY]

It is interesting that Queen Margrethe II refers to the Swedish court as being more "formal". I suppose that might have been true in the years up to King Gustaf VI Adolf, but, nowadays, I get exactly the opposite impression. Maybe I misunderstood what the Queen said, or there was a problem with the translation. Any thoughts on this issue ?

I'm dyslexic, but I think it's correctly translated (although I'm not so good at translating Danish). Here's what she said:

Dét kan jeg love for! Kanskje er det litt mer av dette i Norge enn i Danmark, men det er ikke like vilt som i Sverige.

– Vilt?

– Med det formelle, mener jeg. Det synes vi nok alle, at svenskene er mer formelle. Det er de selvfølgelig ikke, nødvendigvis, men samtidig, når det virkelig gjelder, så er de det jo.

Perhaps someone else from Scandinavia can confirm that it is correctly translated.

 

[Muhler]

http://ap.mnocdn.no/images/56e5f5f9-313f-4795-9cac-050576e4b18c?fit=crop&q=80&w=1440

Come on, Royal Norway, that picture should have come with a warning!

I'm dyslexic, but I think it's correctly translated (although I'm not so good at translating Danish). Here's what she said:

Perhaps someone else from Scandinavia can confirm that it is correctly translated.

Here is my translation and it seems to fit fine with yours.
"You bet! Perhaps there is more of it in Norway than in Denmark, but it's not as wild as in Sweden".

Q: Wild?

"With the formal bit, I mean. We probably all think the Swedes are more formal. Of course they are not, necessarily, but at the same time, when it really matters, they are".

- I think wild should be better substituted with elaborate. You can tell QMII has grandchildren. Their expressions rub off on her.

 

[JR76]

I'm dyslexic, but I think it's correctly translated (although I'm not so good at translating Danish). Here's what she said:

Perhaps someone else from Scandinavia can confirm that it is correctly translated.

I wouldve translated it the same. QM does say that when it really counts the Swedes (The Royal Court) are very formal.

 

[ROYAL NORWAY]

Come on, Royal Norway, that picture should have come with a warning!

I know, but I actually think this picture was a bit funny.

I wouldve translated it the same. QM does say that when it really counts the Swedes (The Royal Court) are very formal.

Yes, she does! And King Harald has said something similar.

I love when QMII gives interviews to the Norwegian media, something she does quite often, especially with magazines.

Several of the guests have arrived in Norway, according to Norwegian media, and NRK1/TV2 News Channel will broadcast live from 17:20 Norwegian time.

 

[Nico]

No offence against Sophie but I have to say I am quite disappointed that Charles and Camilla aren't going to attend this important event held in Norway, especially as it's always been said that the BRF are close to the Norwegian Royal family.

I have been on other forums this morning and it is the talk of one large international one. The impression there is that the BRF have an 'exceptionality' image of themselves, that they hold themselves aloof from other European monarchies and rarely mix with them.

While I do not think that's true privately, it makes it hard to argue the opposite when other European Kings and Queens, Crown Princes and heirs (not just the Scandinavians who are close anyway but others) happily accept invitations, turn up and thoroughly enjoy themselves.

The Prince of Wales keeping away also feeds into stories that have been around for years that Charles dislikes going to these events because several of his younger contemporaries are now of a higher rank.

I know the Wessexes have a really good relationship with other royals. However, I love seeing all the Kings, Queens and their heirs turning up for these sorts of events and mixing with each other.

It wouldn't have hurt for Charles and Cam and/or the Cambridges to have turned up to King Willem Alexander's recent birthday celebrations, for example, especially as it's always been said that Beatrix and Elizabeth are close. Instead no one apart from the Wessexes went.

William is going to be King one day. What do he and Kate know of their contemporaries in Europe and Scandinavia? Nothing. They didn't even recognise Daniel of Sweden when he came up to greet them at the London Olympics. It was left to Sophie to say hello to him, or he would have been inadvertently snubbed.

This isn't having a go at the Cambridges or the Wessexes. It's just that the absence of some members of the BRF at gatherings of other royals of similar rank is an opportunity lost, IMHO.

Don't understand the fuss about the BRF. We do know they are a bit continental shy, plus Charles and Camilla were not at the 2007 bash either. But in 2007 the turnout was a bit more impressive (Anne, Tim, Edward and the Gloucesters).
Sophie is a good choice, it could have been nothing !