Latest news with #QueenSonja
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Norwegian monarch visits polar Svalbard as interest in Arctic grows
By Gwladys Fouche OSLO (Reuters) -Norway's King Harald and Queen Sonja were due to visit on Monday the main settlement on the strategically located Arctic archipelago of Svalbard at a time of increased interest in the resource-rich polar region from the U.S., Russia and China. Focus on the Arctic's strategic importance for mining, shipping and security has increased sharply because of repeated statements by U.S. President Donald Trump that he wants to take over Greenland. The Arctic also holds fossil fuels and minerals beneath the land and the seabed and is an area of military and economic competition. The royal visit comes a day after French President Emmanuel Macron visited Greenland in a show of European solidarity. Svalbard - which officially became part of Norway in 1925 - lies roughly midway between the North Pole and the European mainland. King Harald's visit is to mark a century of Norwegian sovereignty. It is governed under a 1920 treaty which also allows citizens of signatory states to settle there without a visa. The Svalbard treaty restricts military use of the archipelago, but the islands are not a demilitarised zone. Russia has in the past accused Norway of militarising Svalbard, which Oslo denies. Norway is NATO's monitor for the vast 2 million square km (772,204 square miles) area of the North Atlantic, which includes the waters between Svalbard and the European mainland, used by the Russian northern fleet's nuclear submarines. Svalbard has two Russian settlements, Barentsburg and Pyramiden, with 297 residents currently out of a total population of 2,863, according to Statistics Norway. China, which calls itself a "near-Arctic" state, wants to create a "Polar Silk Road", an alternative shipping route to reduce its dependence on the Strait of Malacca.
Reuters
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Norwegian monarch visits polar Svalbard as interest in Arctic grows
OSLO, June 16 (Reuters) - Norway's King Harald and Queen Sonja were due to visit on Monday the main settlement on the strategically located Arctic archipelago of Svalbard at a time of increased interest in the resource-rich polar region from the U.S., Russia and China. Focus on the Arctic's strategic importance for mining, shipping and security has increased sharply because of repeated statements by U.S. President Donald Trump that he wants to take over Greenland. The Arctic also holds fossil fuels and minerals beneath the land and the seabed and is an area of military and economic competition. The royal visit comes a day after French President Emmanuel Macron visited Greenland in a show of European solidarity. Svalbard - which officially became part of Norway in 1925 - lies roughly midway between the North Pole and the European mainland. King Harald's visit is to mark a century of Norwegian sovereignty. It is governed under a 1920 treaty which also allows citizens of signatory states to settle there without a visa. The Svalbard treaty restricts military use of the archipelago, but the islands are not a demilitarised zone. Russia has in the past accused Norway of militarising Svalbard, which Oslo denies. Norway is NATO's monitor for the vast 2 million square km (772,204 square miles) area of the North Atlantic, which includes the waters between Svalbard and the European mainland, used by the Russian northern fleet's nuclear submarines. Svalbard has two Russian settlements, Barentsburg and Pyramiden, with 297 residents currently out of a total population of 2,863, according to Statistics Norway. China, which calls itself a "near-Arctic" state, wants to create a "Polar Silk Road", an alternative shipping route to reduce its dependence on the Strait of Malacca.
Daily Mail
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Queen Sonja of Norway, 87, beams as she attends first official engagement since being rushed to hospital for 'breathing difficulties'
Queen Sonja of Norway has resumed public duties barely weeks after her sudden hospitalisation for 'breathing difficulties'. The monarch, 87, who is married to King Harald V of Norway, 88, put on a confident display as she attended the opening of a ceramics exhibition at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts in the country's capital. During the Easter break the Queen was transported by medical helicopter from the royal chalet in Sikkilsdalen after experiencing trouble with her breathing, revealed the royal palace at the time. However on Friday, the mother-of-two looked formidable in a multi-coloured tweed jumper and a pair of straight-cut navy trousers. The statement top was stylishly decorated with golden studs around the collar and pockets, and was effortlessly teamed with navy blue suede block-heel loafers. The royal accentuated the bold theme with a chunky silver choker and matching bracelet. On the opposite wrist she also donned a stunning gold bracelet. She opted for a sizeable pair of silver studs trimmed with a touch of gold lining. Meanwhile her make-up was apt for the outfit choice; a dash of black mascara, purple eyeliner and a striking rose pink lip. Queen Sonja of Norway has attended the opening of a ceramics exhibition barely weeks after her sudden hospitalisation for 'breathing difficulties' Her brunette and blonde locks were perfectly coiffed and fell in voluminous waves around her forehead and ears. The printmaker and avid photographer was at one point during the engagement seen capturing images of the surrounding scenery with her phone. The Queen was also spotted mingling with various graduates and guests at the academy, as the group made their way around the various sculptures. She appeared in high spirits throughout the remainder the engagement. The ceramics exhibition was put together by graduates of the Oslo National Academy of Arts - a tertiary institution in Oslo that provides education in visual arts, design and performing arts. Back in January Queen Sonja was admitted to Lillehammer hospital with a skiing-related injury, the royal household revealed. The mother-of-two looked formidable in a multi-coloured tweed jumper and a pair of straight-cut navy trousers The Queen - who suffers from atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate - was however later discharged from hospital with a normal heart rhythm. Despite this, her calendar was cleared of appointments in the upcoming weeks. She was also later said to be in good shape, the family told Sweden Herald. It was also reported the same month that Queen Sonja would be receiving a pacemaker. The pacemaker implant is believed to have taken place at Rikshospitalet in Oslo to help ensure a regular heartbeat. It comes less than a year after her husband King Harald - Europe's oldest reigning monarch - received a permanent pacemaker in March 2024. A month prior, Harald fell ill during a private holiday with his wife on the Malaysian resort island of Langkawi. He underwent surgery there and received a temporary pacemaker due to a low heart rate. Harald returned to Norway aboard a medical airplane and was immediately transferred to an Oslo hospital. The King's doctor, Bjørn Bendz, said that he had contracted an undetermined infection in Malaysia. The implant helped Harald's heart beat regularly, and replaced the temporary pacemaker that he received before. Both Sonja and Harald appeared to be in good spirits last month, as they welcomed the President of Iceland for a gala dinner at the Royal Palace in Oslo.
