Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
The Norwegian Royal Family joined King Harald V as he hosted the annual Gala Dinner for Members of the Norwegian Parliament (Stortingsmiddag) at the Royal Palace of Oslo on October 24th.
King Harald V and Queen Sonja were joined by Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Astrid as they the processed through the Speilsalen, Small Dining Room, Small Ballroom, and the Great Ballroom into the Banqueting Hall, for the Stortingsmiddag Banquet.
Officials and the King gave speeches before dinner:
This year’s state budget contained an item which, surprisingly enough, could lead the mind to Egyptian pyramids and burial chambers. Before someone might have to resort to googling to find out the meaning of the word. Now probably even more people know what the word means, and I thank the authorities for their consideration in the hereafter. I hope it will be well padded so that the stay will be comfortable. We’re going to be there for a while, says the king to a room that bursts into laughter.
We are a family, with the joys and challenges that we all know can come with it. In both good and difficult times, we try to stand together and sweeten each other. We are grateful for all the warmth and consideration that has been shown to us in this through this special and demanding year. Ever since I had to be transported home on an air stretcher in February. Sometimes life is simply very difficult. It’s something everyone can experience – including our family.
Queen Sonja wore a white gown with Queen Maud’s Pearl Tiara, Pearl Necklace and Earrings, Drapers’ Company Brooch and the Sash & Star of the Order of St. Olav with King Harald’s Family Order while King Harald wore White Tie with the Sash & Star of the Order of St. Olav and the Collar of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit.
Crown Prince Haakon wore White Tie with the Sash & Star of the Order of St. Olav and the Collar of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit while Princess Astrid wore her Gold Bandeau Tiara, and the Sash & Star of the Order of St. Olav with Family Orders of King Haakon, King Olav, and King Harald.