Monday, December 15, 2008

Norwegian sovereigns receive warm welcome in Potsdam

December 15, 1906

King Haakon VII, Queen Maud and Crown Prince Olav arrived in Potsdam today, and received a warm welcome from Kaiser Wilhelm II. The Emperor kissed Haakon on both cheeks, and then kissed Maud's hand. Both the Emperor and Empress kissed the three-year-old Crown Prince.
At an official dinner tonight at the Neues Palais, the Emperor proposed a toast to King Haakon's health. He also spoke of his affection for Norway, referring to his visits to the Norwegian coast, and of his personal gifts and the gifts of the German people to Aslesund, which was destroyed by fire in 1904.
King Haakon thanked Wilhelm for his "many evidences of friendship." He raised a toast and proposed the health of the German Emperor and the Imperial Family. Earlier today, the king called upon the Crown Prince and Prince Eitel Friedrich and presented them with Order of St. Olaf.
Wilhelm II and Queen Maud are first cousins.

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