Princess Ingrid Alexandra celebrates at the 18th anniversary party:

The princess’s 18th birthday is marked at Deichman’s main library in Bjørvika almost five months after she turned one.

The case is continuously updated! Follow the birthday celebration here:

The government is hosting the event, which has a price tag of about NOK 3.7 million.

Young people from all over the country are invited, along with the royal family, the government, cultural figures, researchers, athletes and others, who have excelled in their fields.

Just before 6.30 pm, the first members of the royal family arrive. They are welcomed by Oslo Mayor Marianne Borgen, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Minister of Finance Trygve Slagsvold Vedum.

First out is Princess Astrid, followed by newly engaged Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett.

Crown Prince Haakon and Mette Marit arrive just before the birthday child Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who comes with half-brother Marius Borg Høiby and little brother Prince Sverre Magnus.

Last out are King Harald and Queen Sonja.

The Norwegian Girls’ Choir sings for the royal family as they are on their way to the party at Deichman, before the Prime Minister accompanies the birthday child into the library.

Støre: – Historical

Just after 19.00, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre will give a speech.

– When you were born on a cold day in February 18 years ago, your proud father told you that it was the most beautiful and beautiful girl in the world. It is not entirely uncommon for proud fathers to use such words about their children, I do too, says Støre.

– But unlike all the other beautiful children who were born on February 21, 2004, your birth was a top issue in the news. You were born as the first female heir to the throne in the history of the kingdom. You have now passed 18 years of age and are of legal age. It is historic, Støre continues.

He highlights the major global events of recent years, such as the corona pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis in Europe, the famine crisis and the climate crisis.

– It is a turbulent time to become a monarch. But in turbulent times, the nation has come to know a royal house that has just shown what it is like to enter its time. It has understood its role as unifying and inclusive, says Støre.

He points out that the princess has a valuable legacy to cherish.

– You join the ranks of many strong women who have shaped Norway. But you should do it your way and I am confident that it will be wise, says Støre.

The princess herself is to speak around 7.45pm.

– A rolemodel

The ministers were first out for the celebration. From 5.10 pm, Minister of Agriculture Sandra Borch arrived, followed by Minister of Justice Emilie Enger Mehl.

– Today we will celebrate the princess’s authority day. Due to the corona, the government’s party to the princess has been postponed until today, but now it will finally happen. I think it will be a wonderful and memorable evening, says Minister of Culture and Gender Equality Anette Trettebergstuen to VG.

– I think it’s great that we have such a fantastic heir to the throne as HRH Princess Ingrid Alexandra is. And I look forward to hearing her speech today. I think she appears in an incredibly mature, mature and nice way, with good values. She is definitely a role model, she continues.

Dozens of spectators have turned up outside the barricades to watch guests arrive at the party.

Just after 18.00 Jonas Gahr Støre and his wife Marit Slagsvold arrived, followed by Trygve Slagsvold Vedum and his wife Cathrine Wergeland.

– Hope she gets the note

Marie Ulven, known under the artist name “Girl in Red”, is also on the guest list on Thursday.

– How do you remember your own 18th birthday?

– When I was 18, I bought alcohol and took it up to the room and thought I could drink it there. Then my mother said: “You still live with me, you are not allowed to.” So turning 18 is not really that cool.

The wolf’s highlight was getting his driver’s license.

– So I hope she gets the ticket and can drive around. And drive from the security guards, she says.

In addition to the meal itself and the guests, music and other cultural elements will shed light on the royal family’s place in today’s modern and diverse Norway.

Deichman’s main library is closed for the occasion, which has been met with criticism internally and externally.

In addition to the celebration on Thursday, the castle hosts a gala dinner on Friday with several royals on the guest list.

Ingrid Alexandra turned 18 on January 21, but the celebration had to be put on hold due to the pandemic.