Summary of article in Billed Bladet #36, 2019.
Written by Marianne Singer who was dispatched up north to Norway.
I hope you have some tissue within reach, because you are gonna need them!
But first a general summary of what happened.
The three Danish guests, Victoria and King Felipe lived privately with Haakon and Mette-Marit and spend the night at their home at Skaugum.
The official photos were taken shortly before the family went to church for the confirmation. King Harald and Haakon both wore the army gala uniform.
King Felipe and Frederik both wore the navy gala uniforms of their countries.
During the confirmation the godparents of Ingrid lit candles for her. Not sure if it's a Norwegian tradition. In Denmark the godparents have no role, exect being expected to attend the confirmation.
Mary and Christian were seated next to Märtha Louise's three daughters: Emma Tallulah, Isadora and Maud Angelica.
BB mentions that Shaman Durek was unable to attend, with no further comments.
However, during the confirmation Märtha Louse read out the Gospel of Love by Paul (Paulus in central and northern Europe.) The one about love, faith and hope. The greatest of these being love.
The exotic looking lady who vividly said a poem was the actress Evelyn Rasmussen Osazuwa, who performed the slam-poetry: "I am sick" that was very much about the environment.
The environment was also on the mind of Princess Ingrid in a form a sheet laid on each chair with the words: "When this piece of paper is put in the ground, there will in time grow various colorful summer-flowers. I hope that will be a fine memory and a reminder that it is only we, who can look after our Earth."
During the ceremony Ingrid read the prayer of Frans of Assisis.
After the ceremony there was an appearance on the balcony of the palace before it was time fro the lunch with 159 guests.
And here a number of speeches were made. Including one by Mette.Marit's older brother, Espen Høiby.
King Harald say to his granddaughter: "When you were born, a new era in our country's history began. Norge had not had a female heir since Queen Margrethe I ruled the country as part of the Kalmar Union in the 1300's. And with the changed law of 1990 - which meant the firstborn becomes the heir - a deed was destined for you from the first time you opened your eyes. It's really good to know that the Norwegian Monarch can also be a woman!"
Ingrid confidently gave a speech to her family:
"I will first and foremost thank especially the closest family. You have given me a safe upbringing with love, care and funny experiences. I am aware that I am very fortunate."
She then thanked her parents for making her then one she is today. And she thanked her "the most sweet and best brothers in the world - sometimes."
The family dogs Milly and Muffins.
Her grandfather for making her laugh.
Her farmor, Sonja, for her wise words, the art "and for all the evenings you have caressed me on the arm and told goodnight-stories."
And her mormor, Marit Tjessem for baking with Ingrid and her siblings and looking after them when their parents were traveling.
Mette-Marit and Haakon gave a communal speech, where Mette-Marit a few times teared up.
Mette-Marit started by saying: "My dear Ingrid..." Then had to pause for a few seconds. "Imagine having been so lucky to be your mother. That has been a great gift in my life.
Dear Ingrid, when you came into the world you looked so much like your papa that I could hardly tell the difference. Your big dark-brown eyes, it was like looking into eternity. These eyes that still sparkle and that doesn't let of the one they are looking at."
They remembered the day Ingrid came home from the maternity ward: "At home mormor and Marius waited. Marius was a little interested in the newly arrived little-sister, but of course mostly preoccupied by the ambulance that had driven into his courtyard.
When you came up into the apartment, Ingrid, a new sort of calm descended. Everything sort of fell a little more into place, when you came.
The day you were born and we came home from the hospital we all sat in the couch. Marius, mormor, grandfather, grandmother, your mother in I. You were lying with your mother and I read aloud the last two chapters from the book we read to Marius: The Brothers Lionheart. It was a good start in life."
It became very emotional when Mette Marit told about a note she one day got from her daughter:
"Dear mother. I'd like to apologize to you. I love you. More than my life. Greetings Ingrid.
Today it's no longer long declarations of love on pieces of paper. But extra good hugs, when you can tell we need it.
Dear Ingrid, you are an unusual wise person. The force you have had within you since the day you came into the world is not grated to all. We have never been in doubt that you will walk up straight through the world." Then giving her daughter a big hug and a kiss.
You can find the article here:
https://app.box.com/s/59syntyohy4gwfk0m9xp26ytavo604ag