The first State Visit made by King Haakon after he had been crowned King of Norway was to Denmark. It was a visit that lasted for five whole days and this of course lead to a number of regal events. However, the nature of this State Visit seems to be more like a family visit rather than a State Visit like we think of such visits today. And a family visit it was without any doubt, as King Haakon was the son of the Danish King, Frederick VIII, and Queen Maud the Danish King’s niece. And in addition to the Danish Royal Family some other members of the family now moved away from Denmark, were there to join in the events. When the Norwegian King and Queen arrived in Copenhagen they were for instance met by the Empress Dowager of Russia Marie Feodorovna (aunt to both King Haakon and Queen Maud) and King George I of the Hellenes (uncle to the Norwegian Royal Couple). And later on a son of King George I, also named George, arrived in Denmark in order to spend some time there.
Since the visit had a more familiar theme to it there were little information about the various dinners being hosted during those five days. And no visit to the theatre, so the press – nor the public – were not able to have a good look at what was worn and details about decoration or the food that was served. So naturally they were not able to report on that. And as photography was not as widely used as it is today there are also very few photographs available which could perhaps given some more clues as to the splendour of it all. It is a shame, especially since there were a total of five dinners and it would not be hard to imagine that at least the majority of these were with grand jewels, orders and uniforms – even though it was only close family and a selected few that were present at them.
To read more about the visit, press the button below. Some more information concerning the last three days has been added.
