Finnish blogger Mikaela Larsson writes besides her own blog about the royals, also a blog to Seura Magazine. She lives in Gothenburg and went there to meet Victoria, Daniel and Haakon. She published an article and her photos about the day at her blog today:
Mikaela was at the station with her friend. She thought there would be no crowd because she hadn't seen the schedule of the visit in the media. She had got detailed information from the Swedish court a few days earlier. There was no large reception, but a small red carpet was laid. There were a few adults and a kindergarten group. The passers-by stayed spontaneously to watch the royals arrive. And there was the police, the media and other staff involved.
Mikaela had two small bouquets in the colors of Swedish and Norwegian flags. She had with her also an envelope for Victoria, which contained a bachelor's thesis she had written in university about Victoria.
Cameras began to flash as the royals stepped off the train. There was no actual public greeting, so the royals greeted their small reception committee and then moved on. Haakon passed quickly, and they couldn't give him flowers. Victoria stopped to greet a few children who had small flower presents.
Mikaela heard Victoria say that they were already a little late on schedule, so for a moment she thought their chance was gone. But she managed to capture Victoria's gaze, and she stopped there. Mikaela gave the flowers and envelope. Victoria talked to them for a moment and was curious about the contents of the envelope. She also greeted Mikaela's friend who gave her the flowers meant to Haakon. Victoria shook hands with them, and also a few meters away, Daniel made eye contact with them, smiled and greeted them with a wave of his hand.
Mikaela tells that she was absolutely thunderstruck by this meeting. Her knees felt weak and she doesn’t remember what she said. She remembers getting confused in her words and having addressed Victoria with "du" instead of the Crown Princess or Your Royal Highness.
Mikaela's impression of Victoria was very positive. The essence was radiantly friendly, yet there was such a royal sense of elegance around it. Victoria clearly appreciates her audience, because she just mentioned that they are late, but then still stopped.
Mikaela returned to see the royals when they went to R/V Skagerak. There wasn't a big crowd, but many passers-by stayed to watch. There were a few actual royal watchers and about 60 people when the royals arrived. During the visit the royals stopped on the deck to comment on the media and photos were taken. They were partially visible on deck, and many people waited for them to leave. There were retirees and middle-aged people, young adults, some with and without children, teenage girls and boys. There were police and royal security guards, but no fences. As the royals left, the police asked to back a little, that's all. And when the royals walked towards their cars, the people followed just meters away.
Before getting in the car, Victoria turned and looked at the crowd. She saw Mikaela and greeted her with a smile, seeming to clearly remember the morning.
Mikaela was satisfied of the day. The morning encounter at the train station was a real jackpot, and in the afternoon she was able to focus on photos.
Kruununprinsessa Victoria ja kruununprinssi Haakon Göteborgissa
Mikaela Larsson writes at her blog at Seura Magazine among other things:
"The royal visit reminded me of the demanding nature of court life - which is why I would not want to be a royal"
During the day Mikaela found a new kind of respect for the work of the royals, which is not quite as easy and fun as you might think. The day in particular made her once again thank her luck for not being born royal.
Program
6:10 - Photography with the media at Stockholm railway station
6:20 - Getting on the train
9:35 - Arrival in Gothenburg and a small reception
10:20 - Business seminar at Lindholmen Science Park
11:45 - Visit to Chalmers University's Maritime Testing Laboratory
12:50 - Lunch at the governor's residence
15:00 - Visit to R/V Skagerak
15:45 - Interview session and photography with the media
16:10 - Reception at the Norwegian Consulate
17:00 - The program ends
Mikaela points out that the only longer program event and a break from being in front of the people was lunch at the governor's residence, which, however, was one job among others. Everything has to go smoothly, because the next meeting is always around the corner. Delays make problems on schedule. A royal visit is undoubtedly an exhausting occasion, even if the royals don't complain. A tour day means an endless flood of new names, faces, places and themes. The royals need to be able to make a good impact on many people at a rapid pace throughout the day.
The media is present almost all the time, so the cameras flash non-stop and all slightest gestures are noticed by the cameras.
The royals give speeches and often take part in various discussions and seminars, so they must explore the topics of the day in advance.
And, the royals should remember to pay attention to the people, where Victoria is especially commendable. Mikaela writes that she got to shake hands with Victoria and exchange a few words with her. She will probably remember that moment for the rest of her life, but for Victoria Mikaela was one greeting face in the crowd. However, it is quite an achievement that a person who meets so many people at work still manages to seem so sincerely interested and kind, Mikaela writes.
Kuninkaallinen vierailu muistutti hovielämän vaativuudesta - tästä syystä en haluaisi olla siniverinen
