Be yourself!

There were 159 places set in the Banqueting Hall of the Royal Palace and the luncheon menu included salmon and halibut. The guests and the hosts were serenaded into the hall by 50 members of the Norwegian Girls Choir attired in bunads

The speech of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess

Their Royal Highnesses The Crown Prince and Crown Princess presented their speech together. They recalled a number of amusing and characteristic personal episodes from the Princess’s upbringing – and provided words of wisdom for her life ahead.

- My dear Ingrid, you are an exceptionally wise person,” the Crown Princess said. “The strength that you have possessed since the day you were born is not given to everyone. We have never doubted for a minute that you would walk through life with your head held high. There will be days filled with hardship and sorrow, rain and heavy fog. But there will also be days of sun and bright snow, cool sea breezes and velvet summer nights. Life will bring you all these things as gifts. Just remember to watch the sun rise enough times to truly understand that each day is a new gift that opens right in front of your eyes. And to understand, Ingrid, that we create our lives in the relationships we have with each other. In our relationships with every living thing around us.

The Princess’s uncle, Espen Høiby, spoke on behalf of the Crown Princess’s side of the family.

Speech of thanks

The final speaker during the confirmation luncheon was the Princess herself.

“This is a special day for me,” she said. “Thank you so much for all the nice things you have said to me – and for this wonderful celebration. This is an opportunity for me to thank many of you who are an important part of my life, and who have helped to make this such a wonderful day.”

Princess Ingrid Alexandra expressed gratitude to each of her nearest family members, often with a humorous touch.

The luncheon ended the official portion of the confirmation celebration. Tonight there is to be a private dinner for friends and family at the Skaugum Estate.

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[1] (applewebdata://7F6E36CC-9F35-4C7A-980E-7604E41E6892#_ftnref1)Norwegian national costume, which varies by region.