Nidaros Cathedral was filled to capacity and adorned with flowers for the occasion. More than 1,000 guests experienced a ceremony that was not only solemn and beautiful but also personal and humorous. Four choirs and an orchestra took part in the observance, along with the Praeses of the Norwegian Bishops’ Conference, Helga Haugland Byfuglien, and Bishop Tor Singsaas. A text written especially for the commemoration outlined the royal couple’s 25 years of service to Norway. 

The stately and warm service touched many of the guests, including the Storting’s First Vice President, Marit Nybakk.

“I was in the cathedral during the consecration 25 years ago,” she said. “It was a great experience to be here again today. I found it particularly striking that today’s service opened with the same work by Egil Hovland that was premiered during the consecration service in 1991.”

The Constitution of 1814 directed that Norway’s kings be crowned and anointed in Nidaros Cathedral. The coronation of Norwegian kings was discontinued in 1908, but both King Olav and King Harald had a wish to receive the church’s blessing in connection with their succession to the throne. Norway’s coronation ceremony has therefore been replaced with a consecration ritual, which takes place in Nidaros Cathedral.

The jubilee service at Nidaros Cathedral was designed to thank the royal couple for their 25 years of service on the throne.

“Today we are expressing gratitude and joy for our royal couple and their 25 years of service to the people,” Bishop Singsaas said in his introduction.

Conservative Party parliamentary leader Trond Helleland said the ceremony in the cathedral was both dignified and grand – a fine setting for the couple’s 25-year jubilee.

After the service, it was time for a garden party in Stiftsgård Park, where the invitees included lucky inhabitants of the Trøndelag region. The garden party featured contemporary circus performances, dance, singing and speeches.

In his speech to the royal couple, the President of the Storting called attention to the royal couple’s travels, their closeness to the people and their relationship with Trondheim. He also discussed the integration of royal power, state-building and church throughout Norwegian history.