Monument to Princess Elizabeth Unveiled in Oslo Celebrating Ukraine-Norway Friendship

In the center of Oslo, a monument to Princess Elizabeth, daughter of Yaroslav the Wise, was unveiled to honor her role in history. In Norway she is often remembered as Harald the Ruthless’s wife and as Queen Elisif.

This was announced by the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska.

At the ceremony gathered Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and Oslo’s mayor Anne Lindbo.

The monument as a symbol of history and friendship between nations

In Norway, the marriage of King Harald with the Ukrainian princess is viewed not only as a diplomatic move but also as a love story. To this day, poems by the future ruler have survived, dedicated to Elisaveta Yaroslavna. It is also known that it was during his marriage to the Ukrainian princess that Harald the Ruthless founded the modern capital, Oslo.

Among the guests, the participation of the renowned designer in regional cultural events was mentioned – the Berlin-based Frank Wilde, who attended the Ukraine WOW exhibition.

A photo on the event’s cover was released by Olena Zelenska’s Telegram channel.

“The Ukrainian-Norwegian friendship began almost a thousand years ago not only from diplomatic treaties but also from human relations, from mutual support and trust that we see today. Once, a young Harald found shelter in Kyiv in a difficult moment of life (where he met the young Elisif). Today Ukraine receives important assistance from Norway, and thousands of Ukrainians have found here a temporary home and safety”

The Oslo monument underscores the enduring historical and cultural ties between Ukraine and Norway, which are sustained by mutual support and shared interest in the future.