Speech given by His Royal Highness The Crown Prince and Her Royal Highness The Crown Princess at a networking reception hosted by Innovation Norway during the official visit to the UK. Wednesday 1st March 2023.
1. mars 2023
The Crown Prince:
Your Excellencies,
Ministers,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is so nice to be back in London – this vibrant city that so many of us feel a strong connection to. Generations of my family have called London their home.
My great-grandmother was born not far from here, at Marlborough House.
My great-grandfather and grandfather, being half British, sought refuge in London during the Second World War.
The Crown Princess and I spent happy days here as students, and together we have visited this wonderful city countless times since then.
We both feel very much at home here.
The Crown Princess:
For many Norwegians, the UK has always been their number one destination abroad – because you have it all:
Culture – creativity – shows and shopping. Pubs – football – fascinating history – and friendly people.
As prime minister Hugh Grant once said:
This is “…the country of Shakespeare, Churchill, the Beatles, Sean Connery, Harry Potter, David Beckham’s right foot, - David Beckham’s left foot, come to that..”
Now we are proud to add that the UK is also the home of Haaland’s right foot and Ødegaard’s left foot.
The Crown Prince:
Many Norwegians follow English football passionately, and we are proud to be sharing some of our most talented players with Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City.
Football is a highly competitive sport, and you cannot succeed unless you work together as a team. In the same way, we will only find solutions to our shared challenges if we work together across borders.
Earlier today, we have been exploring how the UK and Norway can lead the way in driving the green transition and in ensuring energy security.
International cooperation is more important today than ever. Countries like the UK and Norway, which are built on democracy, the rule of law and basic human rights, must stand together. We must use our skills, our hearts and our minds to address the challenges we are facing as a global community.
The Crown Princess:
Tonight, we are coming together across sectors and professions to enjoy each other’s company. To enjoy Norwegian seafood – and music.
Because the strong bonds between the UK and Norway are truly worth celebrating.
They are based on shared history, on trade, on common values and on friendship.
We look forward to sharing this evening with you.
And now, we are proud to introduce to you one of Norway’s finest artists – Metteson.
Thank you.