Norwegian Royals At “Ridderrenn” Ski Race

On Saturday April 13, 2013, Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Princess Märtha Louise participated in the 50th Ridderrenn skiing competition for visual impaired and disabled in Beitostølen. It is the world’s largest annual winter sports event for physically disabled people in which about 450 people from 14 nations took part this year.

Princess Märtha Louise is patron of the race since 2006. Her grandfather, King Olav, opened the first “Ridderrenn” in 1964 and was patron of the race until his death in 1991. After his death, King Harald took over. In previous years, several members of the Royal family have participated in the “Ridderrenn” race.

This year, Princess Märtha Louise and Crown Princess Mette-Marit accompanied participants in the 5-kilometer course. Crown Prince Haakon was a companion for a participant in the 20-kilometer race with whom he had trained together in advance of the race on the ski slopes around Oslo. After the race, they attended an informal lunch at the finish line along with the participants, organizers and guests together. Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus were also present and helped to hand out medals to all participants. In the afternoon of the same day, the Crown Princely family had a photo session. They enjoyed the sunny weather together with skiing and sledging, and made themselves comfortable with grilled marshmallows.

Filed under Norway
Tagged Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, Patronage, Prince Sverre Magnus of Norway, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, Sport.