In doing this, the Storting has established a new tradition.

“Christian Frederik played a decisive role in 1814. Without him there would have been no constituent assembly, no Constitution and no 17th May,” says President of the Storting Olemic Thommessen. This was something he also made clear in his speech at Eidsvolls plass on the morning of 17th May.

Unveiled last year

The statue of Christian Frederik, King of Norway for much of 1814, was unveiled by H.M. Queen Margrethe of Denmark on 18th May last year.Designed by the sculptor Kristian Blystad, the statue was presented as a gift to the Storting from the Government to mark the Bicentenary of the Constitution in 2014.

Wreath-laying ceremony and children’s parade

In keeping with tradition, the President of the Storting started the day by laying a wreath at the foot of the National Monument at Akershus Fortress. This was followed by similar ceremonies at the statue of King Haakon VII in 7th June plass and the statue of Christian Frederik in Eidsvolls plass.
 
Kvindelige Studenters Sangforening, the University of Oslo’s official women’s choir, sang Gud signe vårt dyre fedreland (“God bless our dear Fatherland”) and Vi ere en nasjon (“We are a Nation”) at the ceremony in Eidsvolls plass.

For several decades, it has been a tradition for the President of the Storting to stand on his office balcony and wave to the children’s parade as it passes along Karl Johan. Until a permanent balcony, designed by the architect Trygve Bowitz, was built in the 1980s, a provisional balcony was raised on the outside of the Storting building.

See the Storting's photos from the 17th May celebrations