King Harald about the birthday in The year with the royal family:
King Harald does not need time to reflect. He is not in the habit of ranking the experiences during a year, but has no doubts when he looks back on the year that is now almost over. It was a highlight.-
What was it like for a grandfather to see an heir to the throne come out the way she did?- It was no surprise to me that she managed that way. Because she is impressive. Really. King Harald nods emphatically. - What is it about her that impresses the king? - She is very caring, and she takes the serious things seriously.
Historic moment
The ministers stood and waited behind their chairs around the long table in the Council Chamber at the Palace. The large chandelier with the inscription "By law shall the land be built" lit up. Everything was ready for the weekly, important meeting. Council of State, where new laws are passed and signed, is held at the Palace every Friday at 11 a.m. Normally it follows a fixed pattern. But on 21 January this year, an exception was made. When the tall, white doors to the Council Chamber opened that Friday , a new chapter in the history of the kingdom was written.
- She was very nervous, I think. I had the feeling of it. But there was nothing to be nervous about. It's always a bit exciting the first time. But she will quickly get used to it when the time comes, says King Harald.
He - the experienced monarch who has led the cabinet countless times since he became King of Norway in 1991. She - the granddaughter, who will one day become Norway's queen. For the first time in the cabinet on her 18th birthday. For now just to learn and observe. - It was a proper cabinet, but for her it was a trial cabinet. Because she doesn't really have a seat in the cabinet until I'm gone, says King Harald.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra put her hand to her heart. Greeted "Good day, Minister of State" to the members of the government. Fifth generation in the Norwegian royal house in the Council of Ministers. She took a seat at the end of the table, on King Harald's left. On his right sat Crown Prince Haakon. For the first time the three were together in the Cabinet. Behind them stood the busts of the first and second generations, King Haakon and King Olav
According to the Constitution, only the closest heir to the throne can take a seat in the cabinet together with the king. The princess, second in the line of succession, therefore had an observing role on her official day.
The picture was historic. - The long lines show that. It is the continuity of the whole thing, of the duty that comes to the fore, says King Harald. He felt the strength in the fact that family should follow the course of family. - Does it matter to the king that there are now two who can take over? - Yes, It certainly means a lot to me. It does, he replies matter-of-factly. - Also two, if I may say so, which are not entirely objective, quite good specimens too, then. It is very nice to see.
