Crown Prince Haakon of Norway has visited a legal aid service which is facing big changes.

The ”Jussbussen”, which means the juridical buss, is a free legal service in Norway for those who need help. It’s a voluntary service where 36 law students offer free help.

The Crown Prince visited to learn more about what they do and what it means for people to be able to get free advice. The visit came shortly after it was announced known that the offer will lose its state support.

Employee and case manager Kaja Øien Hultgren gave His Royal Highness an introduction to the work they do. After the briefings, the Crown Prince was given a tour of offices. Here he met many of the the volunteers, who spoke to him about their daily caseloads.

Crown Prince Haakon asked a number of questions about the work and was very interested in learning more about what it means for people to be able to get free legal support at a time when inflation is increasing and the cost of living is increasing. The Crown Prince did not give an interview, but it was clear in the conversation he had with the volunteers that he valued the offer they give the people.

The ”Jussbussen” and other voluntary offers had earmarked funding in the state budget. However, that was withdrawn this month, in favour of an arrangement where the civil law administration distributes funds. It’s not yet clear what impact this could have on the services available.