In memory of King Harald V
A Norway with room for everyone
It was with great sorrow that we received the news of the passing of King Harald V.
Throughout his 35 years as King of Norway, he carried his role with warmth, dignity and a deep understanding that a country is, first and foremost, all the different people who live there. He met people from every part of society and used his voice to champion equality, belonging and respect for every individual.
At the garden party in the Palace Park on 1 September 2016, King Harald described a Norway that many of us recognised, and a Norway that we still want to continue building. He described a country with room for people whose roots span the world, people who believe differently, love differently, live different lives and carry different hopes.
His message was simple and powerful:
“Norway is, above all, people.”
“Norway is you. Norway is us.”
The speech became one of the clearest expressions of King Harald's view of humanity. A view characterised by generosity, curiosity and a fundamental belief that everyone belongs in the Norwegian community.
King Harald spoke of a Norway built on “trust, community and generosity”. These are values that have inspired us at MIKS and that we want to carry forward through our work. In the meetings between people. In the opportunities that are created. And in the communities that grow stronger when more people can take part.
He had a unique ability to be ceremonial and deeply human at the same time. With warmth, wisdom and a twinkle in his eye, he narrowed the distance between the Royal House and the people. He gave voice to a Norwegian identity that embraces the full breadth of the population and reminded us of everything we share.
King Harald said that his greatest hope for Norway was that we would manage to look after one another. That hope lives on as a task for us all.
We will honour his memory by continuing to build a society where people are treated with dignity, where more people have the opportunity to contribute and where everyone can feel:I belong here.
On behalf of MIKS Ressurssenter, we thank King Harald V for the way he united, encouraged and reflected the people of Norway. The values he expressed will live on in the people, communities and work that continue after him.
May King Harald V rest in peace.
The quotations are from King Harald's speech in the Palace Park on 1 September 2016.