On October 22, King Haakon hosted the traditional dinner for members of the Norwegian Parliament for the first time as monarch. At the Royal Palace in Oslo, the 53-year-old welcomed more than 200 guests alongside his daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and his mother, Queen Sonja.

The evening held particular significance for the royal family, as Haakon presided over the event shortly after the death of his father, King Harald. His wife, Queen Mette-Marit, was notably absent. However, the formal occasion took an unexpected turn when a guest suffered a medical emergency.

Politician Marthe Hammer Collapsed During Dinner

During the meal, Norwegian politician Marthe Hammer suddenly experienced severe abdominal pain before losing consciousness. She reportedly vomited at the table and only regained consciousness after those around her had helped her onto the floor and placed her in the recovery position.

"I was told that I had fainted at the table and vomited. I only regained consciousness when they placed me on the floor in the recovery position," Hammer told Nettavisen. She explained that she had eaten well beforehand but later began experiencing circulatory problems.

Standing Up at the Table Made Matters Worse

Hammer revealed that she occasionally experiences similar symptoms and that lying down usually helps her recover. However, during the formal dinner, she was unable to do so immediately because King Haakon had risen from the table, prompting the other guests to stand as well.

The politician was unsure whether the monarch had witnessed her collapse, suggesting he might already have left the room. For those seated nearby, however, the sudden medical emergency was understandably alarming.

King Haakon Paid an Emotional Tribute to His Father

The medical incident wasn't the only emotional moment of the evening. During his speech, King Haakon paid a heartfelt tribute to his late father, King Harald.

"Now I'm standing here instead of my father. I miss him tonight, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who does," Haakon said, according to Gala.

As his first parliamentary dinner since becoming monarch, the occasion carried particular significance. His deeply personal words added an emotional dimension to an otherwise formal royal tradition.

Princess Ingrid Alexandra Attended Her First Gala Dinner

The evening also marked an important milestone for Princess Ingrid Alexandra. The 22-year-old attended her first parliamentary gala dinner in her new role as crown princess.

Fortunately, Marthe Hammer later reassured the public that she had recovered from the frightening incident.

"I'm doing very well, but I understand that those sitting around me were quite frightened," she explained.