June 17, 2022: Princess Ingrid Alexandra's 18th Birthday gala
Claudine and Florestan were in Norway with royals from different countries for Princess Ingrid Alexandra's 18th Birthday gala.
Of course, all these royals were also invited to their upcoming wedding so naturally the wedding was the main topic whenever someone came to talk to Claudine and Florestan.
"I hope to you and the family are at the wedding," Claudine told Mary.
Mary smiled.
"Of course.Yes, we wouldn't miss it for the world," Mary said.
Ahead of the party, in the Small Hall a photograph with royals from different countries was taken with the Norwegian royal family.
The theme of the evening's décor was A Midsummer Night's Dream, and guests were greeted with candlelight and flowers as they arrived at the main gate of the Royal Palace.
The tables in the Royal Palace's Banqueting Hall were set for 199 guests, and the menu for the evening consisted of carrot tartare, asparagus and scallops, halibut and Norwegian strawberries.
Queen Sonja was the first speaker of the evening, welcoming the guests to the Royal Palace, and offering Princess Ingrid Alexandra some advice.
"You have everything you need to make wise choices and create a life that will be rewarding for you, for your loved ones, and for those for whom you one day will be Queen," the Queen said to her granddaughter.
"I hope you will always have a space of your own where you feel entirely free, where you will find replenishment, rest and inspiration – as I have found throughout my life, both in nature, especially in the mountains, and in art. Everyone needs a space like that."
Then, King Harald delivered a speech in honour of his granddaughter and elicited laughs on several occasions, but he ended his words with a poignant piece of advice for Ingrid. He said: "I've told you this many times before, Ingrid, but a grandfather is allowed to repeat his most important piece of advice over and over again: Be yourself. And trust that it is enough - always."
Another speech was given by Crown Prince and Crown Princess to their daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra during the gala dinner.
Crown Prince Haakon:
Your Majesties
Your Royal Highnesses
President of the Storting
Prime Minister
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
Ladies and Gentlemen
My dear Ingrid,
You have now turned 18 years, 4 months 26 days and 16 hours, and we are very glad to finally have the chance to celebrate and say a few words to you. We have looked forward to being able to mark this occasion with so many people who mean so much to you, and to us.
More people got to know you a little better in connection with your birthday in January. You gave your first interviews, had meetings with the branches of the government and received various deputations here at the Palace.
All of this has conjured up a lot of memories for me. Because I have been in the same situation as you, and I found myself contemplating myself as an 18-year-old.
Part of our preparation for everything you were going to be doing in January was to watch videos from my 18th birthday in 1991. It was hard for you to stop laughing, especially as you watched the interview I had back then with Geir Helljesen from Norwegian National Broadcasting. It was quite a few years ago now, and I was a serious young man speaking very slowly...
All of which makes me so very happy to see the person you are: Ingrid, you have a self-assurance that will be an asset for you throughout your life.
And it is also important for me to say to you today:
You have many people around you who want to help you and support you.
You have all of us who love you. Marius and Magnus – who will always be there for you, just as you will always be there for them. Mamma – who you can go to whenever things are difficult, who is such a good listener, and who can always help pinpoint the problems and find solutions.
And of course you have me – and your entire extended family.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit:
Dearest Ingrid,
On the day you were born, 18 years ago, Pappa and I drove from Skaugum to the Rikshospitalet University Hospital. Later that same day, after a truly beautiful birth, we came home with the miracle that is you. Today, you are a beautiful young woman, ready to step into your future. A clear-sighted young woman, strong and resilient. Your father and I are immensely proud of you, and we love you more than you can know.
And as Pappa said, the two of us are now standing here with you together with Marius and Magnus, your grandparents on both sides and your extended family. Everyone who loves you the most. You are also surrounded by the good wishes of people from all across our country, who wish the best for you both in honour of your birthday celebration and for every day of your life to come. You are part of a historic line of succession to the throne of this country.
Today, sweet daughter of ours, we are celebrating your coming of age, but we are also celebrating the coming of age of our country's princess in line to the throne.
Norway consists of more than mountains, forests, plateaus, fields and seas; it consists of the dreams and hopes and joy and sadness of all the people who live here.
Norway is the sum of all the knowledge, thoughts, actions, and, perhaps most importantly, of the values of all the people who live here. One of your most important tasks will be to stand together with all Norwegian women and men through their good days and bad days alike. To see them, to understand who we are as a whole, and to ensure that everyone feels they have a place here.
That is what King Haakon did for his people, what Pappa's grandfather King Olav did, and what your wonderful grandfather our King has done for his people. You follow a path that many wise people have walked before you.
You have to find your own way along that path, Ingrid. And no one who knows you has doubted for a moment that you have what it takes to do what you have been called to do.
Crown Prince Haakon:
On this milestone day, I would like to talk a bit about freedom. Because everyone has the opportunity to find their freedom. And you do too.
I hope that you feel you have the freedom to pursue the education that you want. That you find something you want to excel at, and that truly sparks your interest.
That you feel you have the freedom to find the friends who are good for you. Friends whom you can trust and be yourself with. You are fortunate to have many good friends around you, Ingrid. Many of them are here this evening.
There is also great freedom to be found in nature, in sports, in mastering physical challenges. Physical mastery combined with the splendour and power of nature can provide a deep feeling of freedom. I have been able to share many such experiences with Marius and Magnus and with you. And I hope that nature and sports will continue to provide you with pockets of freedom throughout your life.
Berit's husband Bjørn has talked to me a number of times about duty as a value, as a positive force. I am not certain whether it was something he mostly said to me or whether he talked to others about it as well. It is fully possible to find freedom even in doing one's duty. I realise that this is a heavy thing to say to an 18-year-old. I certainly did not really understand it when I was 18. But I think it is true at a fundamental level. Which is why I wanted to mention it today.
The couple took turns giving their speeches.
Then Ingrid gave her own speech she had to wipe away tears as she thanked her brothers, Marius and Magnus, and her voice even broke as she spoke of them.
In emotional words, she said: "Marius, thank you for everything I have learned from you, and for us to talk together about everything. Thank you for always protecting me. Magnus, you are always kind to me when I need it. Thank you for giving me a hug when I have a little extra tough day. I'm so proud to have you as brothers."
She finished the speech on a triumphant note as she ended with a toast. "Cheers," she declared, as those around her broke out into rounds of applause.
Other speakers during the evening included the Princess's grandmother, Marit Tjessem, and the President of the Storting, Masud Gharahkhani. Mr Gharahkhani concluded his speech by congratulating the Princess on her special day and expressing warm wishes for her future on behalf of the Storting and the people of Norway.
The dinner ended with the Norwegian birthday song, Hurra for deg, led by the musical artist Metteson, who got everyone in the hall singing.
Later in the evening, the guests danced a polonaise and enjoyed a variety of other musical performances.
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princessclaudine Princess Claudine and Prince Florestan attended the birthday gala for Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway's 18th birthday at The Royal Palace in Oslo, Norway.
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