Scandinavian royals come together to honour Norwegian attack victims


August 22, 2011

It was an emotional weekend of remembrance in Norway as the country came together to honour the 77 people who died in a murderous rampage exactly a month ago. At a moving ceremony, celebrated in Oslo Spektrum, one of the biggest venues in the capital, King Harald told Norwegians that "freedom was stronger than fear."

"It is good to be together at this time ... As a father, grandfather and spouse I can only begin to sense some of the pain you feel. As king of the nation I feel for every one of you."

Dressed in a black suit and with tears in his eyes, the 74-year-old monarch praised the work of emergency workers and others who helped save lives on July 22.

Some 6,700 people attended the ceremony, including relatives of the victims, survivors, police, firemen and emergency personnel who dealt with the attacks.Also joining the Norwegian royal family were the presidents of Finland and Iceland, future mum-to-be Swedish Crown Princess Victoria and Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik.

Princess Victoria and Prince Frederik, who were both dressed in black, laid flowers at Oslo's Cathedral before attending the emotional service.

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