King Frederik’s ambassador about the programme

– The state visit next week will be extra special, says King Frederik’s unknown envoy. Before the new monarch arrives in Oslo: What can she say about her own role? And about the avalanche of Danish acquisitions in Norway?

At the Royal Court, the rule is clear: to an ambassador you say “Your Excellency”. Louise Bang Jespersen can also be titled as “envoy to His Majesty the King”. Over a cup of coffee at Lysebu, on the other hand, the gently smiling Excellency points out:

– I am not a formal person. In addition, the tone in Scandinavia is far more informal than in some other countries. My name is Louise, that’s the “title” I prefer. Especially here in the magically beautiful surroundings of Lysebu, at the top of Holmenkollen, international protocol seems very distant. The entire place, with hotel, restaurant and gallery, is owned by the Danish-Norwegian Cooperation Fund.