Friday, June 3, 2016

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The Duchess of Gotland's first official visit to Gotland.

Photo: Luca Teuchmann | GettyImages
 It was in 2014 when a 2-year-old Duchess Estelle made an official visit to Östergotland for the first time, and today the story repeats itself when Duchess Leonore visited Gotland for the first time. 
The visit began at the horse farm, specifically in the Västerhejde where Princess Leonore greeted Haidi of Gotland, a christening gift from the County Administrative Board and Region of Gotland to the Princess. 
The foal is Sweden's oldest domestic breed.  

Photo: Luca Teuchmann | GettyImages
Photo: Luca Teuchmann | GettyImages
 No one really knows how long they have been on Gotland, but the findings indicate that horses were used during the Iron Age. Until the mid-1800s there were plenty of forest ponies across the island. Subsequently, the number lowered dramatically in the early 1900s, they almost completely disappear. To save the last ponies farmed farmers from the region and Gotland Agricultural Society in an area of ​​Lojsta.
Then, Princess Leonore and her parents had lunch in the garden at the residence in Visby.

Photo: Luca Teuchmann | GettyImages

After the lunch, the Princess Couple and Princess Leonore met children from the Royal Park's kindergarten who sang the song "Summarn kummar".
The day ended at the Gotland Museum where Prinsessparet and Princess Leonore visited the exhibition Ship & Fun. Ship & fun is the museum's new children's show and it's about the sea.

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  • Videos 1, 2, 3

To be updated through the day.
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Friday, May 20, 2016

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Opening of the Princess Ingrid Alexandra sculpture park.

Photo: Lise Åserud, NTB scanpix
The Princess Ingrid Alexandra Sculpture Park opened on 19 May. Princess Ingrid Alexandra stood at the unveiling of the sculptures and hundreds of small and big guests were in place in the Palace Park.
The Princess Ingrid Alexandra Sculpture Park is a park from children - for children. It is established on the occasion of the King and Queen's 25th jubilee, and both the King and Queen, Crown Prince Couple, Prince Sverre Magnus and Princess Astrid, Mrs. Ferner, were present along with Princess Ingrid Alexandra at the opening.

Photo: Lise Åserud, NTB scanpix
His Majesty King Harald gave the opening speech and wished all children a warm welcome. 

This day is a day we in Royal Family have looked forward to. For many years we wanted a sculpture park especially for children. And finally it stands ready, initially with three sculptures. Two of them are brand new, the third stood at Akershus Fortress. Eventually, there will be more. They are here for you, they are to take on, and not just for decoration.
Photo: Lise Åserud, NTB scanpix

And the kids took King Harald's words - it did not take long from the unveiling of the sculptures when they were already in use.The sculptures are the first of a nationwide contest that will run for several years and result in a total of 10 sculptures. Sculpture park is a gift from Sparebankstiftelsen DNB.The two new sculptures that were unveiled, a Geometric fox and rabbit in trouble created by Sofie Sollid Gjertsen, from Setermoen school and Emma Hansen, from Ballangen School. Their two contributions were selected from hundreds of contributions from northern Norway. The kids make the characters, while craftsmen have built the sculptures.


Photo: Lise Åserud, NTB scanpix
In addition to the two, "Pillow Man" by Jonas Gjerstad, Martin Formation and Mathias Svendsen from Sagdalen skole was borrowed from the sculpture trail at Akershus Fortress.Approximately 900 kindergarten children were guests at the event. Together with their adult companions, they were served bowls and juice of Akiko's employees. 2500 bowls and 400 liters of sap went with.


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Wednesday, May 4, 2016

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New patronage for Crown Prince Frederik.

Photo: Franne Voigt
The Crown Prince has agreed to become patron of the new association Denmark Bridge, which aims to ensure Danish companies and entrepreneurs better access to knowledge, networking and capital in Silicon Valley, USA. 
Silicon Valley in California, USA, is described as an epicenter for the development of new technologies and growth-oriented business models. The association Denmark Bridge will therefore strengthen the bridge between the Danish business and development in Silicon Valley, so that Denmark can help to shape this development, especially on IT. 
The association offers membership to all Danish companies and organizations. The association is established by A. P. Moller - Maersk, the Danish Bank, DI, LEGO and Growth Fund in collaboration with the Business and Growth Ministry of Foreign Affairs and of Education and Research Ministry. 
Denmark Bridge is part of the government's recent stimulus package and will prepare the ground for strategic networking and knowledge sharing at the highest level and thereby support Danish companies and entrepreneurs' access to knowledge and capital in Silicon Valley.
Denmark Bridge will bring together a number of Danish companies interested in the technology development and the opportunities it offers for companies' business development and growth. Specifically, Denmark Bridge phase out certain types of activities on both sides of the Atlantic, which allows members to rethink business models, along thinking value chains and take advantage of business critical technology with like-minded people on the other side of the Atlantic. 
The association is open to all companies, organizations and individuals.
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Monday, May 2, 2016

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Queen Sonja and Crown Princess Mette-Marit lay the foundation stone for the new National Museum.

Photo: Heiko Junge/NTB Scanpix
The foundation stone of the new National Museum was laid today. Queen Sonja and Crown Princess Mette-Marit attended together the ceremony. The ceremony took place at the triangle plot by Western Railway in Oslo, where the National Museum is expected to be completed in 2019, opening the following year.
Together, the Queen and Crown Princess let foundation stone casket. The coffer contains a Coat of arms of Norway, drawings of the building, construction documents, a årssett of coins, a årssett of stamps, invitation and guest list for the foundation laying ceremony. With the casket in a sack, performance artist Tori Wrånes was hoisted up by a crane and transported over the construction site where the stone would be laid down. Live music and a salute from boats at the docks gave a masterful setting for the event.

Photo: Heiko Junge/NTB Scanpix
The new National Museum was designed by the German architect Klaus Schuwerk. On the site there are at least 800 people working on the building, and the area is over 54,000 square meters. The total exhibition area will be 13,000 square meters, the equivalent of two football fields.
The new National Museum will be a continuation of the National Museum, established as Norway's first public art museum by the Parliament in 1837. Later, this, along with the Museum of Decorative Arts, Museum of Architecture, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, merged into National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, Oslo in 2003.

Photo: Heiko Junge/NTB Scanpix
Statsbygg is responsible for the construction of the new museum. An estimated 750,000 visitors will stop by each year.

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Literature train 2016.

For the third year in a row, Crown Princess Mette-Marit is out on the literature train with good writers and books on board. This year's theme is 'Outside cabinet'. Literature Train 2016 runs along the Bergen Line. In 2014 it went from Bodo to Stjørdal, and in 2015 it also stopped on Dovrebanen.


Photo: Erlend Aas/NTB Scanpix
Litteraturhuset in Bergen is the venue for the first event on 1 June, the night before the departure. The train arrives to Oslo on June 3, where there will be a closing event at the House of Literature there. The literature train has one purpose: to inspire the love of reading. There is a book for everyone!
On the trip from Bergen to Oslo the Literature train will stop at Voss, Gol and Hønefoss, before the last event at the House of Literature in Oslo.
At each stop there will be activities in the form of discussions with authors and readings from the books at the local library. The authors participating are: Jonas Hassen Khemiri (Bergen), Agnes Ravatn (Voss), Lars Saabye Christensen (Hønefoss) and Geir Gulliksen (Oslo). There will also be meeting with biographer Kim Friele in Gol.
There is also the opportunity to visit a library wagon on the train. It is equipped in cooperation with the Oslo Public Library, where one can enjoy themselves and get acquainted with new books and authors. Many of the Crown Princess's own favorite books will also be found aboard Kong carriage.
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Sunday, May 1, 2016

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King Carl XVI Gustaf's 70th Birthday.

Official Photograph: Kungahuset.
On 30 April, King Carl XVI Gustaf celebrated his 70th Birthday, the festivities started with a Te Deum at the Royal Chapel in Stockholm.
Among foreign royal guests were King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain, Princess Takamado of Japan, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Prince Albert II.


All the Swedish Royal Family attended the ceremony, including Princess Estelle.


After the TeDeum, all the royal guests were joined by Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark and Princess Märtha-Louise of Norway and husband Ari Behn for the Armed Forces celebration for the King at the Palace's Courtyard.


When the Armed Forces and changing of the guard ended, everyone headed to the Palace's balcony where a chorus sang to King Carl Gustaf. This time the family was joined by almost 2-month-old Prince Oscar, who was making his balcony debut.


To finish with the day celebrations, the city of Stockholm offered a lunch for everyone at the City Hall. The King and Queen arrived by carriage. Princess Sofia didn't attend the lunch as she returned home to be with Prince Alexander.


In the afternoon, a banquet was held for all the guests.

Photo: Expressen.
 


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Tuesday, April 19, 2016

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A Prince for Sweden!

Photo: Expressen.
On Tuesday April 19 at 6.25 pm, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia had a son at Danderyd Hospital.
Weight: 3595 gr.
Length: 49 cm.
Both mother and child are in good health.”
 - Official Announcement by the Marshal of the Realm, Royal Court. 

It was on Tuesday that Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia entered the maternity ward at Danderyd Hospital in Stockholm. 
At 18:28 o'clock was when the couple's first child came into the world.
There was a little boy, a son, which we of course are incredibly happy, says Prince.
Photo: Expressen.
The prince cut the umbilical cord himself and pays tribute to his wife after the birth: "To be part of this and see Sofia go through this is breathtaking. Sofia made a fantastic childbirth and did everything right. She did great." 
The couple had chosen not to find out the sex of the baby in föreväg and it was therefore a surprise if they would have a son or daughter. 
It was a choice we made quite early. We did not know the sex, but to have it as a big surprise, said Prince Carl Philip.
Photo: Expressen.
The newborn son is already well heard:
He has a good pair of lungs can say, said the prince.
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Thursday, April 14, 2016

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Mexican State Visit to Denmark: State Banquet.

Photo: BT
To end the first day of the State Visit, Queen Margrethe hosted a gala dinner at Fredensborg Palace for the Mexican President.


All members of the Royal family were seen wearing the Order of the Aztec Eagle, while the President wore the Order of the Elephant and his wife wore the Order of the Dannebrog.

Photos 1, 2, 3
Videos 1, 2, 3, 4
The Queen's speech
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Mexican State Visit to Denmark: Day 1.

Photo: Zimbio
Following their welcome, the Presidential couple were joined by the Crown Prince and Crown Princess as they traveled to Helsingor to visit Kronborg Castle, an UNESCO World Heritage place.
The castle is famous for being part of Shakespeare's tragedy "Hamlet"


Finally, the couples headed to the M/S Maritime Museum, a museum with very innovative architecture.

Photos: 1, 2
Videos: 1
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Wednesday, April 13, 2016

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Mexican State Visit to Denmark: Welcome.

Photo: Mathias Loevgreen Bojesen/Scanpix
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto and his wife Angélica Rivera arrived to Copenhaguen today to begin the first ever State Visit to Denmark made by a Mexican President.
The couple was recieved by the Danish Royal Family at the Vilhen Lauritzen terminal of Copenhagen Airport.
Photo: Jens Dresling/Polfoto
Queen Margrethe and President Peña Nieto revised the guards of honor and introduced their respecting comitees.
After their arrival, the Presidential couple along the Royal couple took off to Fredensborg Palace where the official welcome ceremony was held.

Photo: Liselotte Sabroe

President Peña Nieto also held a reunion with the Queen and they exchanged gifts.

Videos: 0, 1, 2
Photos: 0, 1
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Tuesday, April 12, 2016

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Prince Daniel opens children's books exhibition in Berlin.

Photo: Clemens Bilan/Getty Images Europe
At the beginning of his visit to Berlin (and first solo visit to Germany), Prince Daniel opened a new children's book exhibition. At the event, Daniel held a passionate plea for reading and reading aloud.
Prince Daniel is the recently became a father for the second time and he reads to his children happy stories.
- I remember the exhilarated feeling when the book of the month came home in the mail. I remember how my sister and I nagged mom and dad to read to us. I remember feeling to share an adventure. How imagination went away. How curiosity took off. The world became larger and suddenly lay before us", the prince said in his speech. He continued: - But. It is only now I understand how much the books, the stories and the pictures meant to me. Without them it would not have been as obvious to continue reading, pick up a book for a moment of entertainment, to seek knowledge or for that matter, to read to my own kids. We are fortunate to have so many talented children's authors and illustrators in Sweden. I am happy to see many of you here today. Thanks to you, we parents received keys to new worlds, to call and to the community. By your words, colors and shapes brought large and small issues."
Photo: Clemens Bilan/Getty Images Europe
About reading to Princess Estelle, the Prince said:

- To see the curiosity in my daughter's eyes when a new word pops up - "what does that mean?" Or when a new animal or figure is depicted - "what is it?". When we adults read to our children, they themselves take up a book to come. When children see us reading, the actual reading. You prominent authors and illustrators do all this a true joy. Thanks. Finally, I want to thank the Swedish embassy here in Germany that enables this effort. 
The exhibition is called "Frech, Wild & wunderbar" (Naughty, Wild and Wonderful) can be found at the Felleshus in the Nordic Embassies near Tiegarten in Berlin. 

 More photos: 1, 2, 3, 4
Read Prince Daniel's speech

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Friday, April 1, 2016

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Mexican State Visit to Denmark: Program.

Photo: Scanpix.
April 13th: 

  • 13:00 - The Royal Couple, Crown Princely Couple and Prince Couple will receive President Enrique Pena Nieto and his wife, Angela Rivera at Copenhagen Airport. 
  • 14:15 - Queen Margrethe II and Prince Consort Henrik arrive at Fredensborg Palace with the President and First Lady. 
  • 15:35 - Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary will visit Kronborg Castle with the President and First Lady. 
  • 16:10 - Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary will visit the M/S Maritime Museum with the President and First Lady. 
  • 20:00 - Queen Margrethe will hold a gala dinner in honor of the President and First Lady. The Crown Princely Couple and Prince Couple, as well as other senior members of the Royal Family, are expected to attend. 
 April 14th: 

  • 10:15 - Crown Princess Mary will visit Børnehaven Ådalen, a kindergarten school, with the First Lady. 
  • 10:45 - Crown Prince Frederik will participate in a business conference focusing on Danish industry with the President. 
  • 16:00 - Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary accompanied by the President and First Lady will visit Hawthorn Farm School.
  • 19:00 - The President and First Lady are organizing a return event in Copenhagen. The Royal Family will attend.
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Saturday, March 26, 2016

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Interview: Crown Princess Mary for Berlingske.

Photo: Linda Kastrup
Fistula. If there is anyone who knows anything about fistula, it's Crown Princess Mary. And it's thanks to the staff of the East African clinic that the royal guest from Denmark knows so much about a relatively obscure disease that disables millions of women - especially in Africa.
A lucky few of the often young girls are being treated here at the internationally supported health clinic on the outskirts of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. Here they get a surgical operation in the abdomen, which has been destroyed after circumcision or rape or because the girls have gone through complicated and protracted births from a young age, the staff tells the royal guest from Denmark.
That was in February 2015. Now we are sitting here in the Amalienborg royal surroundings in a large, high-ceilinged meeting room in conjunction with Crown Princess Mary's workroom to talk about the Crown Princess's humanitarian commitment.
But the meeting with the disabled girls is still crystal clear, and it's fates like these that feeds Crown Princess Mary's long-standing struggle for women's rights and her act as patron of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), Danish Refugee Council and the Maternity Foundation.
"From childhood I always had a strong sense of justice, and there are a lot of injustices in the world," explains the Crown Princess when asked why she has decided to submit to take on the heavy humanitarian and development challenges.
"And it is deeply unfair that one's gender as a woman must mean that you get a worse life than men," continues the Crown Princess, who doesn't hesitate to proclaim the worldwide violence against women and girls as the most widespread human rights crime in 2016.
"Violence against women is today perhaps the greatest crime against human rights. Every two minutes a young woman dies in childbirth or during pregnancy. Why do women today have to risk losing their lives to give life? Why expose one in four pregnant women for violence or sexual assault? Why are 39,000 girls forced to marry every single day worldwide, "asks Crown Princess Mary, who obviously is by talking about a subject in which she is particularly sharp - so sharp that the Crown Princess has been appointed as a member of a special UN panel, High Level Task Force to focus the global fight for women's rights.
» Why is violence against women actually one of the greatest crimes against human rights?

"It can be explained in this way: Violence against women happens in all phases of life in all countries, and when you see it in its entirety - it is a sexual assault or rape in a conflict or in a refugee camp or domestic violence or one girl being circumcised, so it is all violence against women and girls, and that makes it the most widespread violation of human rights in the world, "said the Crown Princess, which has more on the battered women's testimony standing in the bookcase behind us.
There is among others, the book "40 lashes" written by the Sudanese journalist Lubna al-Hussein, who in 2009 was sentenced to 40 lashes for "indecent and immoral behaviour" because she wore pants. And 'A woman's price' of Somaly Mam, who as a child in Cambodia was sold as a sex slave.
But after a short break in the listing of arguments, Crown Princess Mary underlines: it is not only girls and women who pay the price. It makes communities, countries too.
"There is ample evidence that if you invest in women and give them equal access to health services, education, business and political representation, the promises are not only for their families but also the entire community and ultimately the entire country. We know that 90 percent of a woman's income is reinvested in the kids and the family to which the comparison is 30-40 percent for men. And we know that if ten percent more of girls go to school, then it will increase the country's GDP by an average of three percent. So apart from that it's the right thing to do, so there is strong economic evidence as to why it is wise to make sure to strengthen women's rights in society,"answers the Crown Princess, stressing that her commitment to the fight for women's rights has been 'a journey'.


Photo: Linda Kastrup
"It's exciting, instructive and challenging to work with these patronages, and my interest grew as I got more and more insight. The more I learned, the more varied and interesting, the subject was, and in the many years that I have now worked with women's and girls' rights and gender equality, it has become clear to me that gender equality and protection of women and girls rights is the most important thing we can do to improve our world," says the 44-year-old Crown Princess.
In a few months, Denmark is hosting one of the largest international women's conferences 'Women Deliver' with nearly 5,000 participants, and here comes the Crown Princess to play a key role. 
» What do you expect to come out of the conference?

"I have attended the Conference twice before, and I have experienced it as a very important collection of players at all levels - governments, NGOs, UN organizations, young people, community groups and enthusiasts. I have previously called it a game changing forum and the conference comes at a very crucial time, as the UN's new global development goals now agreed, and this will be the largest conference in this field for adoption. How do we implement the new agenda, how are the objectives applicable for the girl who was born in the Afar region of Ethiopia? How do we get an UN agreement to mean something for girls and women in many of the countries where they do not have equal opportunities? So it makes it very exciting and I obviously hope that there will be some concrete actions and initiatives that ensure results at the local, regional and global level," said Princess Mary.

»What could the actions and initiatives be?

"It could, for instance, be how we find innovative solutions using new technology and creating innovative partnerships like the Maternity Foundation's Safe Delivery App, developed with the vision to use mobile technology ensuring births in rural areas. Or a more comprehensive initiative to eradicate FGM. We have gathered several players at all levels in combating the strong social norm associated with circumcision. Legislation alone is not enough to change what is going on in a local village. Another goal of the conference could also be a stronger effort to eradicate child marriage and forced marriage, but there is no doubt that it is important to maintain the momentum with the adoption of the UN development goals on gender equality and empowerment of girls and women. It is crucial for the fulfilment of all the other global development goals. It gives hope for the world's women and girls, and we must ensure that we deliver," says the Crown Princess.

» One thing: circumcision may seem quite medieval in the world we live in ...

"Clearly."

» ... And I can see that the United Nations last month came with a report that talks about the scale of circumcision is greater than was thought and that number will increase because the progress can not keep up with population growth . Why is it so hard to get circumcision to life?

"That's a good question, and if I had the whole answer, then I would sit in a senior UN position or ... but I can come up with part of the answer. First I want to say that circumcision is a harmful practice and I take a strong position against it. It is so deeply rooted in some cultures, and it is a binding social norm in countries where it is practised. So although there is a legislation in place - and it is in many countries today - but the weight of the social norms is heavier, so that people would rather break the law than to go against the social norm, and we need to really understand that in order to find a solution."

"We have seen examples where we have gone too fast with the legislation and so on, and so goes circumcision as it were underground. We have just seen in a country where the age of circumcision dropped from 15-16 years-old to 4-years old because a four-year old will not open her mouth and won't be missed in school. Legislation is important. But legislation alone is not enough. One has to break with the social norms and relate to all the taboos and myths associated with circumcision," said the Crown Princess.

Photo: Linda Kastrup
» How do you think that your position as Crown Princess can make a difference? Does it matter that it is a Crown Princess, who is an advocate for these cases?
"I have a hard time saying anything about it. There must be others who can put into words too. But I am aware that my position provides special opportunities. I also believe, however, that my really good and really big opportunities are due to my long-term commitment. Eg. the invitations, today I get to keep talking, which is a chance I would not have gotten a few years ago."
» So it's about professionalism - it is not enough to be royal?
"Yes, I think. Clearly. Professionalism must be in order to be invited to special events, speak at conferences, be part of a task force and meet special people, for example. Otherwise, you get a different type of invitations, and I will not feel good to be in charge of anything unless I have a deep and broad knowledge of the issue," answers the Crown Princess and continues after verge teen.
"Because of my position, but also my commitment - that people know is true when they meet me," said the Crown Princess and laughs a little. "Then I can also open doors both for myself and for others. For I am very conscious that I sometimes can not speak on the matter. So it's important that I may have others, so that together we can come all the way around," she points out.

Facts: Crown Princess Mary as patron


Berlingske has asked the three humanitarian organizations that the Crown Princess is patron of what it means to them.

» The Crown Princess' effort is very important. She is an excellent advocate, and what she does is that she spreads the message out to a larger audience and explains that this is an important agenda if we want to make the world a peaceful place. People listen not just because she is the Crown Princess, but also because she is very committed. Head of the UN Population Fund since 2010, Babatunde Osotimehin.
    
» The Crown Princess is very important for the Danish Refugee Council, because she dishes a great light on our work with refugees and displaced persons. This is both because she speaks from the platform she speaks from and because she is engaged and interested in the issues we are dealing with. Secretary General of the Danish Refugee Council, Andreas Kamm.
    
» As patron of the Maternity Foundation, the Crown Princess is a great catalyst and sparring partner. As a small Danish NGO has had huge significance to have her support, when we had to present our work in international forums such as during the UN General Assembly in New York last year. Director of the Maternity Foundation, Anna Cecilia Frellsen.
» And what does not being able to talk about all aspects of the case, when you know that you are so academically engaged and knowledgeable mean for the Crown Princess? What does it mean to be limited?
"Of course I have opinions and views, and some are stronger than others, but I am very aware of where and how far I can go in expressing them," is the answer from the Crown Princess.

"But it is not always easy, because it is a gray area. I fully understand the limitations of a Crown Princess, but I choose not to see them as limitations, for I have a wide margin, and I can speak about very much, and sometimes it can mean that you have to think a little creatively and talk about a topic from a different angle," says Princess Mary, stressing that it is also an advantage for her that she must be impartial.
"When we talk about opening doors, I'm a big believer in working together and lift together. Then I might pave the way and give the word to others who can take the more sensitive issues. And actually, I would say that I get special access and special opportunities just because I am impartial. So sometimes it's an advantage and take a subject like respect for women's and girls' rights, there is broad agreement, and it gives me more leeway. "


» Yes, there is broad agreement, but are there also forces that oppose?
"Yes, there are powerful forces in the world that will roll what we achieved back. And it is enormously sad, especially because we know that all evidence points to that it will be important for all of us if women and girls have the same opportunities as men and boys. "
» Does it matter in this context that the Crown Princess will represent Denmark? Is Denmark a good brand to have in the back when you are a patron of the women and refugees?
"In my experience, it has given me a good background that I come from Denmark. For Denmark is seen as a pioneer in terms of equality and as a strong and unwavering advocate of women's and girls' rights, particularly on SRHR," answers the Crown Princess, referring to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). The UN jargon for the goal that every sexual act must be free of coercion and disease that every pregnancy should be wanted and every birth must be sound and all - women and men - have access to birth control and has the right to decide over their own bodies.
"So it makes me tailwind, and because of Denmark's position and the general consensus on the subject at home, so I might have gotten more opportunities to comment on these matters."
» What do you do in a typical day out. How much work is there with the three patronages?
"There are many internal and external meetings with partners, patronages etc. There is much work at the desk with preparations - including travel inventory - and writing speeches. And so it is important to keep abreast of current issues. By nature, I am extremely thoroughly. I have been brought up to always give my best and do my best, and I always try to do. And then I think my curiosity is a major driving force. I am for instance preoccupied with negative social norms and how we can change them. There will be more and more evidence about - yes social norms and the theory of change - how to get detached social norms of a culture, and it concerns me very much, because it can have a major influence on many of the issues I am dealing with. But then a typical working day, it is a little hard to describe. It depends on a calendar," said the Crown Princess.
» What are you thinking as patron of the Danish Refugee Council with the current refugee crisis seen worse since the Second World War?
"Yes, it is a major global challenge, and it is immensely sad. The refugees I have spoken to say that their greatest wish is to return home and build their lives and their country. There are many countries that are struggling to find a solution, but the world must unite and act like a total flock to find a viable solution. It is the biggest challenge overall, but from my perspective it is also about how vulnerable women and girls are in such a humanitarian crisis.
For example, 60 percent of the total maternal mortality worldwide occurs in crisis areas, and women and girls on the run are extra vulnerable because they often travel alone. Many may have lost their husbands, others fleeing alone while the man stays behind to fight. The women are all very alone in a culture that demands that a woman has a male protector, and therefore they are more vulnerable to abuse and rape. So we need to have more focus on their specific needs and how we protect this very large and vulnerable group of women and girls in the humanitarian crisis as refugees stream is.

Photo: Linda Kastrup
But when you meet some of these women - who I have had the opportunity - we can not help but be humbled and impressed by their will and strength and their innovative thinking in survival for themselves and for the children. The most important thing for these women is how they can provide their children a better life and it is a powerful resource.
It may sound cynical to talk about resource in this regard, but we need to look at women that way. For it shows what they manage to lift if they are given opportunities. We must not look at them as weak - they are not. They are exposed, but not weak, and it is striking. We strengthen the women, it all comes down to others - even when we are talking about refugee camps," said the Crown Princess, which welcomes the UN Population Fund has put extra focus on improving the situation of maternal health in the world's refugee camps.
"I met nearly three years ago, two heavily pregnant Syrian women in Zaatari camp in Jordan. They both had two children already, so it was not the first time they gave birth. But before they had given birth on a fine hospital by a qualified midwife and a gynaecologist who followed them throughout their pregnancy progress and so on. Now they stood there in a refugee camp, and they were so thankful that we were there, for they were afraid. They knew just exactly how bad it can get. For a woman, obstetric help can be just as important and life-saving as water, food and shelter," says the Crown Princess, who as patron of the Danish Refugee Council has now visited some refugee camps around the world.
"And many of the fates, you talk to, come close. Many of the families had a fine house, two cars, took their children to school and went to restaurants on weekends, and from one day to the next, they flee for their lives and are in a refugee camp. It was very tough, and you are deeply affected, but at the same time I believe that it is hugely important to try to see past the distress to see the man. That way I can be more ready to hear their stories, and these stories have really big impact when they retold in other contexts - for example, from a rostrum of the United Nations or a secondary school in Denmark. And it's something I can do. I can be a voice for some of the people I meet on my travels. Their stories hitting us and makes us think about the inequality of opportunity."

Photo: Linda Kastrup
» Are there other resources that Crown Princess takes the need to get our message across?
"Yes, I strongly believe in working together and therefore I use my role, the profile I have, to gather strength and relevant actors to work towards a common goal. This could be violence against women. When I was in South Africa, I met an organization called Brothers for Life, and when you talk about violence against women, one needs to see men as part of the solution and not just as a problem. If we really want to break the cycle of violence, we must have a holistic approach to it. Brothers for Life works with men as role models for other men to break with the norm that says that it is okay to beat your nearest. They do a fantastic job and has some success in South Africa, and we have Dialogue against Violence, and the organization has many years of experience in how to help violent men to break their behaviour. So through the Mary Foundation, I have brought organizations together to create cooperation and knowledge sharing in which both parties can learn something. On the way, I have benefited greatly from the network that I have been built up over the years."
» They even mention the Mary Foundation, which works to combat social isolation and trying to get items that are hard to talk about into the public debate. Is there anything that the Mary Foundation can do to remedy what many viewed as a major problem at home - namely the lack of integration of parts of Muslim women?
"Women's and girls' rights should apply to everyone in Denmark. We should all have equal opportunities. But having said that, it is unfortunately still a very political area, and therefore I must find the right angle. It is an area where I, through the Mary Foundation have already committed through our shelters. The shelters in Denmark host a large majority of women of different ethnic backgrounds, so we actually have no knowledge of them. And we have also had good cooperation with shelters in Morocco and therefore can better understand the cultural sensitivities that might be," answers the Crown Princess.
"It's some other social norms that are in play, and it is there that my knowledge of and interest in social norms could come into play. So yes, it is an area I would like to have a deeper understanding of. "

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