King Harald of Norway makes his first public appearance since hospitalisation as the country celebrates its National Day – Royal Central


Sven Gjeruldsen, The Royal Court

King Harald of Norway made his first public appearance in more than two weeks following a period of hospitalisation to treat an infection.

His Majesty’s treatment meant he was forced him to miss a number of key events, including the State visit from the President of Italy and the beginning of the summer sailing season of the Royal ship Norge. 

And what better occasion to celebrate a recovery than National Day! His Majesty joined the rest of his family on Wednesday, 17th May, to greet the crowds that had gathered underneath the Royal Palace in Oslo. 

The crowds gathered at the Royal palace were made up partly by students from Svattjern, Rommen and Lutvann schools, all three of which celebrate their 50th anniversaries this year. They streamed in a big procession through the streets of the Norwegian capital, before congregating in the Royal Palace Square.

They were entertained by the band of the Norwegian Armed Forces staff, who played the King’s Song, as well as the National Anthem, both of whom received the support of vocals from the Oslo Craftsmen Music Association and the May 17th Committee.

While the National anthem was playing, King Harald and Crown Prince Haakon were seen taking their hats off as a mark of respect. 

Afterwards, the Crown Princely family, minus Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who is currently busy with educational commitments, greeted crowds in Asker, near their residence, Skaugum.

For this part of the day, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit changed their clothes, from daytime outfits to traditional Norwegian costumes. Prince Sverre Magnus was still dressed in his suit and tie, but had the best feature at his feet: the family dog, whose leash the Prince was holding. 

Norway’s National Day celebrations fall on the 17th of May because this was the day in which, in 1814, the Constitution was first drawn up and adopted. 

After a pause of the celebrations due to a ban imposed by King Carl Johan of Norway and Sweden, who saw the celebrations as a “revolutionary act and a provocation against Sweden, the official establishment of the 17th of May celebrations is widely regarded happening in 1836, when the Storting (National Parliament) observed the holiday for the first time. 

In 1906, King Haakon VII and Queen Maud instituted the tradition of the Royal Family greeting crowds (in particular, the parade of students) from the balcony, something that is still done today. 2022 marked the first year of this tradition coming back after two years of health safety restrictions, and a record 130 schools took part in the parade. 



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