The passing of Nelson Mandela
Statement from His Majesty King Harald on the passing of South Africa's former President Nelson Mandela.
We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of President Nelson Mandela. We extend our condolences and deepest sympathy to his family in their bereavement, as well as to the people of South Africa.
I was fortunate to have met President Mandela several times. He has served as a role model for me. I have admired his leadership, courage and wisdom. In a situation characterised by violence and vengefulness, President Mandela succeeded in bringing out the best in both himself and his fellow citizens. He has shown the world that it is possible to choose reconciliation over revenge, to choose that which uplifts over that which destroys.
Harald R
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Welcoming the Restauration to the US
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon, along with a couple of thousand attendees, welcomed the sloop Restauration to New York, exactly 200 years after the vessel carrying Norwegian emigrants arrived in the United States. In 1825, they crossed the Atlantic in search of a new and better life. This voyage is regarded as the beginning of organised emigration from Norway.
Met with Governor Walz in Minnesota
Minnesota is one of the states in the United States where a large proportion of the population has Norwegian ancestry. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon is therefore also visiting this state and its largest metropolitan area, Minneapolis–Saint Paul, during his trip to the United States to mark the 200th anniversary of Norwegian emigration to the US.