Unless you live in an area populated by Scandinavians, you probably were not awar
e of the royal visit of King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway as they visited the United States last October. The Norwegian Royal Couple made stops in the Midwest and New York City as they toured several Wisconsin and Minnesota colleges of Scandinavian backgrounds. In the fall/winter issue of News of Norway, a sampling of their visit was published.
e of the royal visit of King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway as they visited the United States last October. The Norwegian Royal Couple made stops in the Midwest and New York City as they toured several Wisconsin and Minnesota colleges of Scandinavian backgrounds. In the fall/winter issue of News of Norway, a sampling of their visit was published.
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Excited and enthusiastic crowds greeted the couple 
as they arrived at the various
as they arrived at the various destinations.
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Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota have close ties to Scandinavian heritage and were honored by visits of the Royal Couple. Speaking to the citizens and students, here are portions of the King's speeches.
"My personal bonds to the United States have developed since my early childhood, when I spent five years here with my mother and two sisters during World War II. I have visited regularly since then, and my fascination and admiration for this beautiful and complex country is still growing.."
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" Norwegians who came to America have made an extraordinary impact in the process of building this country, and your history is full of examples of dedicated people who have left "footprints on the sand of time". You have been contributing to all aspects of American society, in a number of areas – like education, politics and business life. Every one of you should be proud of what you have accomplished in this great country...."
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"We are gathered here tonight to celebrate what it means to be Norwegian and what it means to be American. There is something special about each and every one of you, a reflection of your combined Norwegian and American heritages. I wish you all the very best in preserving these values as well as taking care of the pride and awareness of your Norwegian ancestry. I am confident that these special bonds of friendship will stay alive in the future."
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At their St. Olaf College visit, the King and Queen sat in on a "Beginning Norwegian" language class. In this photo, the king apparently had some humorous reply.
(Perhaps, they thought his accent was funny?!)
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Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja were in the United States October 13-22, 2011. In Minnesota and Iowa, the Royal Couple met with representatives from the state governments and visited Norwegian-American environs and institutions. In New York, the King and Queen were among the Honorary guests at the American Scandinavian Foundation’s Centennial Ball celebrating 150 years of cultural exchange and close relationship of the United States with our Scandinavian neighbors.
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A full report of their USA visit is available online at norway.org/royalvisit2011.
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