This autumn, The Queen and I visited Aremark municipality in Østfold, near the Swedish border. When we got in the car to drive back home, we looked at each other and smiled. It had been a good and pleasant visit. But there was something more. Something that warmed us deep inside.
It didn’t take long before we found out what it was about. Because it was something we recognized. Which we had also encountered in Kvænangen, in Balsfjord and on Svalbard earlier this year. And which the Crown Prince Couple encountered on their trip to Hallingdal in September.
It was the joy of being with people who achieve something good together and who take care of each other.
That’s why we traveled home very happy after a good day. And perhaps it affected us extra because it was so different from much of what characterizes our world at the moment. It felt like something precious, something that we must take good care of.
This positive force has been something that The Queen and I have been fortunate enough to experience on our many travels across the country throughout our 57 years of marriage. It is pure vitamin infusion.
Just imagine:
A male choir at the far end of the quay – singing at the top of their lungs in a stiff breeze.
A sports team where training gives children joy, mastery and friendship.
A language café in a small village where laughter resounds among people from different countries who have found a new home here with us.
Such experiences are to be truly enjoyed.
We are of course aware that everyone goes to extra effort when we come to visit. But it already exists. Clubs, choirs, bands and people – they don’t just come into existence because we come. All of this is kept alive every day – all over the country.
For us, this is an effective cure for discouragement – and a strong motivation to start a new day.
Next year we all have something big to look forward to when the Norwegian men’s national team has also qualified for the World Cup – for the first time in 28 years. The team spirit of the national team is a fantastic example of achieving something together. We can be really proud of them. And I’m looking forward to it!
The World Cup refers to the Football 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in June-July, 2026.
At the same time, it is easy to understand that many can become both uneasy and downtrodden with the way the world looks today. The familiar world order that we have followed for many decades is in upheaval. Every day we see examples of democratic principles faltering and minority rights being weakened – also in our part of the world.
Here at home, many people struggle to keep their daily lives together.
We suffer with our fellow human beings in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan. And we are outraged by the lack of agreement on just, lasting solutions. This also applies to the work to protect our planet and its biodiversity from climate change. This year, they have once again had catastrophic consequences for people who are particularly vulnerable. The will to take real action still does not seem to be strong enough.
Still: We have so much good and important to take care of. That we have built together, that we must preserve together, and that we continue to create together. We must contribute where we can. Both in the big and the small.
In the big picture, it is above all important to stick to international cooperation – because we have no good alternatives. Tonight I would like to thank everyone who stands up every day for peace, development and cooperation in the world. Through diplomacy and humanitarian work, through defense and trade. We need each and every one of you. Do not lose faith that you are doing something of value.
And so we must not become immune, but continue to be touched by the fate of others. We may think that when war and conflict continue year after year – that this is almost how it should be. But it is not. It is completely wrong. The images we see, the stories we hear – imagine if it were our own child. Our mother. Our brother.
Being able to put ourselves in other people’s situations and empathize with each other is absolutely crucial for the path from an I to a we . And that’s where we have to be, that’s where we should be. Both in international solidarity and in our everyday lives – in all kinds of encounters with people.
Dear all,
A Red Cross staff member who had worked as a pediatrician in war zones said in an interview:
“We must cheer for the good forces and choose the good when we have the opportunity.”
And we actually get that opportunity every day. Because even though we have elected officials who oversee the governance and care of the country, everyone who lives here is part of our everyday democracy. And it is worth defending – every day. We do that by participating. By showing up, and being counted. By using our voice – in elections and in meetings; such as in the parents’ committee, the housing association or in the group of friends.
It’s not completely free. Because it costs to commit. It costs to speak out. Yes, just getting up off the couch can cost a little.
The most comfortable thing is perhaps to sit at home and expect others to sort things out. But that’s not enough. The arrow points to each and every one of us. Because each and every one matters. No matter what you may be struggling with: There is a need for you.
If we are to preserve a vibrant society with a myriad of different people and opinions, we must also welcome non-traditional viewpoints and different questions. We do this by listening to each other, taking each other in the best interests of others – and discussing with respect.
As I said – all of this can cost. But it is worth it. Because history shows us time and time again that it can be a frighteningly short distance from having – to losing. And as long as we are aware of what we have and are willing to defend it, we will not lose this quality of our society.
2026 is the Year of Total Defense. Our best civil protection in peace, crisis and, in the worst case, war, is a population that stands together and is willing to contribute – each in their own way. With their heads, hearts and hands. With time and with strength. Welcome to the team, everyone.
The 2026 Totalforsvarsåret (Total Defense Year) is a plan by the Norwegian Government/Military to increase security. This involves a significant increase to the budget and a investmetn in new equipment.
Dear all,
When The Queen and I drove home from Aremark this fall, there was one more feeling we were left with – and perhaps the strongest: Gratitude. And what we are grateful for, we are happy to make an extra effort to take good care of. Especially when we don’t take it for granted.
So what if we hang this question over the entrance to 2026:
What am I grateful for?
Yes, perhaps we should start every day by asking ourselves that question. The answers will probably be as many and as varied as we are people in this country. But one thing I hope we share: Gratitude for our everyday democracy. And that together we will do our best to take care of it – and choose the good when we can.
I wish everyone a happy new year.
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