The Norwegian government is currently in their budget cycle and it has been revealed that the Royal Family and the Royal Court have both been penciled in for significant raises. TM King Harald V and Queen Sonja, in the current budget, will receive a 336,000 kronor raise, while TRH Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit will receive a 280,000 kronor raise. The money is for personal expenses which includes many official duties and some of the maintenance on their properties. In addition to the personal raises for the Royal Family, the Royal Court itself is also slated for a raise. The new budget will be set at 146 million kronor, primarily going to the maintenance of the state royalty properties in addition to the operation of the Court itself. The Royal Palace and the Royal Lodge are both undergoing maintenance that is budgeted to continue, the Royal Palace in particular is penciled in for 50 million kronor for a new roof (which has already started). The roof of the Palace has given the Royal Family problems since 1866, and in recent years they have even put cardboard on the roof just to slow the leaking. The constant leaks and moisture from condensation has led to rot in the sheathing and supporting structures. While most countries in Europe are in the midst of a budget crunch, the Norwegian Royal Family certainly showed their value in bringing the country together after the tragic shooting in 2011. Should be interesting to see how this budget ends up.
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Sources: TV2
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