METTE-MARIT TJESSEM HØIBY The engagement between H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon and Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby was proclaimed on December 1st. 2000. Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby was born on August 19th. 1973 as the youngest child of Marit Tjessem and Sven Olav Bjarte Høiby. She grew up in a friendly and harmonious family together with her sister and two older brothers in Kristiansand. Week ends and holidays were spent in the nearby valley of Setesdal and at the seaside where Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby developed to be a good sailor. During her youth she spent a lot time at the local youth club Sletteheia - where she was a member and an active leader. Mette- Marit Tjessem Høiby is fond of sports and as a teenager she participated in Volleyball as player, referee and coach. After comprehensive school Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby joined the Oddernes gymnasium in Kristiansand. After half a Year at Wangaratta High School in Australia as exchange student, Miss Høiby moved back to Norway and joined the Kristiansand Katedralskole where she passed her exam in 1994. After a study break Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby went to Bjørknes Private School, and finished Examination Philosophicum at the district high school in Agder. At the present Miss Tjessem Høiby follows lectures at the faculties of History, Philosophy and Political Science at the University of Oslo. Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby has one son, Marius.

As H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakons fiancée Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby have so fare had few official duties and she will not undertake any official representation on her own until after the wedding in August. Her first official duty was during the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony at Oslo Town Hall December 10th. 2000. Skaugum, the Royal Family´s estate in Asker Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby is interested in art and culture and especially in literature and music. Furthermore she has a strong engagement with regard to social questions. THE ROYAL WEDDING Flowers, flags and banners will decorate Oslo during the Wedding between H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon and Miss Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby at the Oslo Cathedral. Saturday August 25th. 2001. See the church inside. The Bride and the groom will walk the aisle of the church together. H.R.H Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark is best man and Ms Linda Tånevik is bridesmaid. The Wedding Dress is of Norwegian design. The Wedding Banquet will be hold at the Royal Palace and at the "Oslo Military Society". There will be a ball with dance at the Royal Palace after the dinner. At 11 pm there will be a grand display of fireworks over the City of Oslo. METTE MARIT TJESSEM HØIBY Mette-Marit is now married to Crown Prince Haakon and after the marriage have the name HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit. They have one daugther together her name is H.R.H. Princess Ingrid Alexandra and one son Marius. THE CROWN PRINCE FAMILY