The first dinner was held in 1906. Since then, according to the Royal House of Norway’s website, it has been a regular annual event. The only exceptions have been 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the years during World War Two, and on the few occasions when major building renovation work has made it impossible.

 

Then as today, the evening’s highlights include the speech by the King and the President of the Storting’s words in reply.

 

The Palace dinner takes place in the Banqueting Hall. The 225 guests include representatives from other Norwegian bodies as well as the MPs.

 

The dinner’s basic rhythm and core characteristics have remained largely unchanged throughout this time. The Royal Household’s website tells us of a few minor changes, however. For example, the menu is now available in Norwegian as well as French, and cigars are no longer served after dinner.

 

Visit the Royal House of Norway’s website here.