Crown Prince Couple visits Møre and Romsdal

Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit paid a county visit to Møre and Romsdal from May 24th until 26th, 2012. They lived on the Royal Yacht ‘Norge’ during the visit.

They were first welcomed in Geiranger on May 24th. They enjoyed the magnificent view at the lookout ‘Flydalsjuvet’. Afterwards they visited the Norwegian Fjord Centre. There they were joined by Prince Sverre Magnus. Due to a strike, which also affected the schools in Asker, both Prince Sverre Magnus and Princess Ingrid Alexandra had the possibility to accompany their parents during the whole trip.

Outside the Fjord Centre they enjoyed the celebration with speeches and various music performances. Later, the Crown Prince Couple and Prince Sverre Magnus walked in a parade with flags and banners to the harbour of Geiranger.

In the afternoon of the same day the Crown Prince Couple arrived in Hareid. After being welcomed with dance and music, they visited Hadartun Nursing Home in Hareid and the Arctic Ocean Museum in Brandal.

The second day started in Fosnavåg in Herøy municipality, which is located on eight islands. Princess Ingrid Alexandra accompanied her parents when they visited the Woman Ship Embla. It’s built according to ancient traditions. The female rowers brought them safe through the harbour. Afterwards they met members of the local business community at Havila House in Fosnavåg and were given information about fisheries and offshore activities. Then they visited Runde Environmental Centre, a research station which promotes sustainable technology within fisheries and energy production.

In the afternoon, the Crown Prince Couple visited the Marine Division of Rolls-Royce in Brattvåg, a company with over 500 employees. Brattvåg is located in Haram, which is the largest industrial area in Møre and Romsdal. Later the Crown Prince Couple wandered down the streets and stopped for an African coffee ceremony and the Valaker bakery. Among others they also met the war veteran Olaf Rogne. With 98 years of age, Rogne is the village’s eldest and has met both King Haakon and King Olav.

In the evening, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit hosted a reception on board of the Royal Yacht. Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus were present when the guests were welcomed.

On the last day of the county visit, the Crown Prince Couple arrived in Molde. There they visited Molde House of Culture and Veksthuset Rehabilitation Centre. Afterwards they went to the famous Royal Birch in Molde, where King Haakon and Crown Prince Olav sought shelter from German bombers in April 1940. The picture of the two under the birch was an important symbol of Norwegian resistance. Today, the birch tree there is not the same as in 1940, but one King Harald planted in 1992.

Later the Crown Prince Couple enjoyed a guided tour of the manufacturing premises of Brunvoll Production Plant at Årø. Brunvoll has also delivered the marine propeller of the Royal Yacht.

In the afternoon Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus went to Vengjesdalen in Rauma for a hike up to Litlefjell mountain. Together with children and adults from the area they enjoyed the hike and the fantastic view. The county trip ended with a cultural event with music and speeches in the center of Åndalsnes.

Filed under Norway
Tagged Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, Culture, Environment, Music, Norge, Prince Sverre Magnus of Norway, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway.