The Children’s parade is canceled and so it does not pass the Palace Square this year. The whole royal family nevertheless appeared on the castle balcony and sang the national anthem.
The castle grounds have been closed to the public this year, but exceptions have been made for some fan carriers representing a handful of schools. The Norwegian Soloist Choir and His Majesty The King’s Guard’s musical band were also in place.
The castle has kept very quiet regarding the royal family’s plans for May 17 this year, and there has been some excitement as to whether they would traditionally come out on the balcony.
Just before 13 o’clock the whole family came out and sang the national anthem with the rest of the people.
As a patch on the wound for canceling this year’s children’s parade, Oslo Mayor Marianne Borgen (SV) has taken the initiative to allow children to draw their best May 17 memories. Over a thousand drawings have been scanned, digitally sent, and printed, and these were handed over at Slottsplassen. Adjutants came down from the Castle and received the drawings on behalf of the King and Queen.
“On behalf of all the school students who would have been in the parade here today, I would like to congratulate you on the day,” said the Oslo mayor in a short speech, before the royal family re-entered about 13.20.
© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
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