Harald V's Jubilee: 'A Fantastic Day'

King Harald of Norway has said that his Silver Jubilee is a 'fantastic day'. The Norwegian King was speaking as he and his family took part in the special winter games being held to mark his quarter of a century on the throne.

King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway speak to reporters as they mark 25 years on the throne

(photo nrk.no)

The Jubilee King seemed almost overwhelmed as he talked to reporters about the winter events being held to mark his 25 years on the throne. 'I want to thank everyone' he said, adding 'it's been absolutely amazing'.  The area around Oslo's Royal Palace has been transformed into a winter sports area. Queen Sonja, who went ski-ing with Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, added 'It's amazing that so many people have come here today. It is a great experience.'

Queen for quarter of a century - Sonja of Norway on her Jubilee day

(photo nro.nk screengrab)

This part of the day was filled with celebrations but the couple also made reference to the fact that January 17th always brings them sorrow too for it is the anniversary of the death of King Olav. Earlier in the day they had attended a church service at the Royal Palace, King Harald said ''It is a mixture between joy and sadness that characterizes the day'' with Queen Sonja saying ''in the chapel, we felt it absolutely'.  

Norway's Royal Palace is surrounded by wellwishers as Harald and Sonja of Norway celebrate 25 years as King and Queen

It's been a day with family at its very heart. The couple were joined by their children and grandchildren for the church service as well as fun in the snow. And Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden attended the morning service and will be with Harald and Sonja as they enjoy a special concert later today.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway ski-ing during the Silver Jubilee celebrations of 

King Harald and Queen Sonja on January 17th 2016

(photo - nrk.no screengrab)

It's been an emotional celebration so far and there will be more opportunity for wellwishers to join the festivities later when the Norwegian Royal Family walk from the Palace to the University of Oslo ahead of a special concert in their honour this afternoon. And with Norwegian TV reporting opinion polls showing that 80% of those asked want Harald and Sonja to continue in their roles, it really has been a fantastic day for the King and Queen of Norway.