Crown Prince Haakon’s engagement to Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby was seen by some as an unusual royal match, prompting some to compare the nuptials to a real-life Cinderella story. A former waitress, Mette-Marit was a single mother to her son Marius when she met Crown Prince Haakon.
The pair announced their engagement in 2000 and they tied the knot at Oslo Cathedral on August 25, 2001.
Several royals from around Europe attended the wedding ceremony, including Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, who served as Haakon’s best man.
Haakon’s sister Princess Martha Louise of Norway and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden gave text readings during the service.
Queen Margrethe of Denmark, the King and Queen of Sweden and the Queen and Queen of Belgium also attended the nuptials.
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Representing the UK was Prince Charles on behalf of the Queen, along with Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
Adorably, Mette-Marit’s son and Prince Haakon’s new step-son took part in the ceremony as a page boy.
There were also some more unconventional aspects to the wedding, including the groom’s decision to wait for the bride outside of the cathedral so they could take the aisle together.
Mette-Marit also opted against the traditional bridal bouquet in favour of a lengthy garland of purple and white flowers.
The pair shared a kiss in front of the roaring crowds after being declared husband and wife, and a ball was held afterwards in their honour.
Now 21 years on, Haakon and Mette-Marit remain happily married and both hold high-profile roles in the Norwegian monarchy.
Haakon is now step-father to Marius, and the Crown Prince and Princess have also welcomed two children.
Their eldest and heir to the throne is Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and their son is Prince Sverre Magnus.
