Celebrated the Prince’s 18th birthday

Queen Sonja welcomed the guests to the celebratory luncheon, and offered some words of advice to Prince Sverre Magnus as well:

“Magnus, I would like to say something important to you and to other 18-year-olds in our country today: It’s enough to be who you are. What counts is believing in yourself and listening to your own voice,” the Queen stressed in her speech to to her grandson.

“The ability to empathise with others and be a good friend is far more important than being ‘clever’ at all sorts of things. I hope you will help to give other young people the comfort and security this understanding brings. Taking care of the people around us is a job for every one of us.”

The Queen’s speech

Family photograph taken in the White Parlour at the Royal Palace. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB

The luncheon was held in the Small Ceremonial Hall at the Palace, and the roughly 70 guests enjoyed a meal of halibut, followed by beef brisket and then a vanilla and lime mousse with mango sorbet for dessert.

"I must say it is a joy to see you in your new East Telemark bunad," The Queen said in her speech. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB

The guest list for the official luncheon included family members, godparents and representatives of the Norwegian authorities and youth organisations. President of the Storting Masud Gharahkhani attended the luncheon, and the Government was represented by Minister of Labour and Social Inclusion Tonje Brenna and Minister of Finance Trygve Slagvold Vedum. Chair of the Plenary of the Sámi Parliament Tom Sottinen was also in attendance.

Figuring prominently on the guest list were the leaders of eight Norwegian youth organisations: Norwegian Rural Youth , the Youth Committee of the Sámi Reindeer Herders’ Association of Norway, the Norwegian Children and Youth Council), Red Cross Youth, the School Student Union of Norway, Young Friends of the Earth Norway, the Norwegian Trekking Association Youth and Queer Youth.

President of the Storting Masud Gharahkhani with the gift for Prince Sverre Magnus' 18th birthday. As a gift from the Storting, the Prince received a painting by the artist Cassius Fadlabi. Photo: Peter Mydske / Stortinget / NTB

In connection with the Prince’s coming of age, His Majesty The King gave him the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav. The order was bestowed on the Prince in a private ceremony at the Royal Palace.