Twice in forty-eight hours. While she had only been modest since her son’s legal setbacks, Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway allowed herself to be overcome by her feelings during two public outings.
This Monday, December 16, Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway visits Oslo Cathedral. Prince Haakon’s wife comes to attend the Christmas concert of the Norwegian Women’s Choir of which she is the godmother. Under the high arches of the building, voices rise and carry traditional nativity songs as well as more contemporary pieces. Sitting in the front row, Mette-Marit lets a few tears flow down her cheek. Discreetly, simply, as if the beauty of the music broke the last barriers of its restraint.
The next day, the princely couple went to a retirement and care home in Asker, not far from their home. On site, they discover the holiday decorations before interacting with residents, then comes listening to Christmas carols. Once again. For a short moment, the princess turns towards her husband, her eyes moist with tenderness. His hand on his wife’s, Prince Haakon smiles to reassure her. A simple gesture of comfort. Then the day resumes its course, despite this stolen moment.
Princess and mother, Mette-Marit is experiencing a more than delicate end to the year with the legal cases involving her son, the fragile health of her father-in-law King Harald, the poor popularity polls… An accumulation of setbacks which does not can only exacerbate one’s sensitivity, especially during these holiday periods when the word “family” takes on its full meaning.
