Prime Minister Støre said in his opening remarks that “we’re celebrating a completely ordinary birthday, and an historic day for the nation.” He noted that Ingrid Alexandra was “born as the first female heir to the throne in the kingdom’s history,” and her important birthday came during a pandemic (forcing a five-month postponement of the official celebration). A month later war broke out in Europe, the continent faces an energy crisis, many elsewhere are facing a hunger crisis and the entire planet is in the midst of a climate crisis. He cited Nordal Grieg’s poem aimed at youth and urging them to “go into your time.”
“Your time has enough drama,” Støre said, “but in uncertain times, the nation has seen how the royal family knows how to go into their own time. They have understood their roles, as unifying and inclusive.” [...]
“You nave a valuable heritage to take care of,” Støre told the princess from the podium, “but have confidence that you shall go your own way, in combination with tradition and renewal.” He also noted that the library venue was chosen because it also combines tradition with renewal, as a new, state-of-the-art building while guests dined on plates and used silverware from the historic Akershus Fortress and Castle. The renovated waterfront area of Bjørvika where Deichman is located is also, Støre noted, the site of where Oslo’s history began more than a thousand years ago.
“You enter a long line of many strong women who have formed Norway, but you shall do it in your own way,” Støre said. “I’m confident that it will be wise.”