To mark their silver wedding anniversary, the Norwegian Royal Family has shared some moments from Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit's honeymoon with the public . These previously unseen images offer a glimpse into the more personal side of the couple celebrating 25 years of marriage.
The couple married on August 25, 2001, in Oslo Cathedral, in a ceremony that was not without controversy due to the princess's past and her status as a single mother. However, Haakon always remained firm in his decision, and today they celebrate a quarter of a century together.
A honeymoon marked by family
The newlyweds' honeymoon began in Germany. After leaving Norway on the royal yacht Norge, the couple stopped in Düsseldorf, where they stayed incognito and explored the city. They then headed to the United States, specifically Long Island, New York. They weren't alone: ​​Mette-Marit's eldest son, Marius Borg Høiby, who was four years old at the time, was with them. This choice reflects the intimate, family-oriented nature of their getaway , similar to those who plan a family group trip.
On Long Island, the couple sought more privacy in the Montauk area, on the island's eastern tip. There, they enjoyed family beach days, as shown in photographs shared by the Royal Household. The photos show the princess sitting under a parasol with a cooler and toys for little Marius, while Haakon is seen at a beach bar wearing sunglasses. There is also a picture of the couple strolling hand-in-hand on the sand, and another in which the prince is holding his wife's son.
The photos also reveal a detail that hasn't gone unnoticed: Mette-Marit's wedding band is a simple silver piece , without any ostentation, quite different from the diamond and ruby ​​engagement ring Haakon gave her. This gesture reinforces the image of a couple who have always shunned extravagance.
9/11, a before and after in the honeymoon
Their honeymoon took an unexpected turn when the September 11 attacks erupted in the United States. The couple was on Long Island at the time and had to be relocated to another hotel. The closure of US airspace delayed their return to Norway while security services coordinated their protection. They were finally able to return home when authorities allowed international flights to resume.
Twenty-five years have passed since that honeymoon, but the images released by the Norwegian Royal House capture the naturalness and love of a couple who began their life together under unconventional circumstances. Despite the obstacles, Haakon and Mette-Marit have built a strong relationship, and these photographs bear witness to their beginnings. With this release, the Royal House celebrates an atypical, yet deeply meaningful, silver wedding anniversary.