King Harald and other members of the Norwegian Royal Family celebrated the Norwegian football team after their World Cup run.
After exiting the World Cup with a loss to England, the Norwegian footballers received a hero’s welcome in Oslo. King Harald, Crown Prince Haakon, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus welcomed the men home.
After their loss in the United States, Crown Prince Haakon, who was in the stands for the match, told the players that King Harald wanted to invite them to the Royal Palace upon their return to Norway.
Photo: Anette Ask / The Royal Court
The players arrived back in Oslo on the evening of 13 July and travelled to the Royal Palace to meet the Royal Family.
The Royal Family hosted a reception in the Small Banquet Hall and greeted the coaches and players as they arrived. Cheers and the singing of “Alt for Norway” could be heard in the Palace Square from supporters.
A very happy King Harald praised the team for their effort in the tournament and thanked them for the joy they had brought the country.
Photo: Anette Ask / The Royal Court
“It is a pleasure to see you here at the Palace. We were thanked by the football president, but it is we who should be thanked for what we have experienced. You will notice it when you come out – that this has been an event that Norway appreciates. That we all appreciate,” he said.
Later, the royals (except King Harald) and players exited the palace and greeted the 90,000 people awaiting them outside. To celebrate the achievement, the team joined fans in the Norwegian row that became famous during the World Cup. The Crown Prince had the honour of beating the drum twice ahead of each row.
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- Photo: Anette Ask / The Royal Court
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- Photo: Anette Ask / The Royal Court
This was the first time Norway advanced to the quarter-finals in the World Cup, and they captured hearts along the way. Many of those watching the World Cup, particularly Americans, began rooting for the underdog Norwegians as the tournament progressed. It was not meant to be, and Norway lost to England in extra time, 2-1.
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