Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus joined Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway as they hosted a Christmas Gathering for aid workers from humanitarian organizations in the Chapel of the Royal Palace of Oslo on December 18th.
The Christmas Gospel was read by the Crown Prince, before candles were lit and prayers were said. The Crown Prince’s family lit candles at the light globe in the Palace Chapel.
The Crown Prince Couple thanked the representatives of the humanitarian organizations for the important efforts they make:
– Those of you who are here in the Palace Chapel with us tonight are awake in the night of the world among people living in war and poverty. We want to thank you for all that you are and do. Even if the rest of us cannot make exactly the same effort as you, we can all do something.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra welcomed the guests to the Palace Chapel:
– Christmas is a time when we want to be with everyone we love. Both those we haven’t seen for a long time, and those we perhaps see a little too often. And it’s a time when we think a little extra about everyone we miss. We hope you have a nice pre-Christmas time with us, said the Princess.
At Christmas, there are also many who are lonely. I want to light a candle for them, said Prince Sverre Magnus.
The event brought together representatives from humanitarian organizations that have made important contributions to countries affected by war and conflict. The Crown Prince and Princess wished to thank the aid workers with a pre-Christmas hour in the Palace Chapel. The invitees represented the Red Cross, Norwegian Church Aid, Norwegian People’s Aid, the Norwegian Refugee Council, Norwac and Free Ukraine.
The pre-Christmas gathering was opened by the Dean of the Cathedral of Oslo, Pål Kristian Balstad. Musical performances were performed by artists Amanda Delara, Sigvart Dagsland, Karoline Krüger and Vilja Stensrud.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit wore her Ruby Crescent Brooch.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra wore Crown Princess Märtha’s Pearl Earrings.