One day after plans for the wedding of Crown Prince Haakon and his live-in girlfriend Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby were unveiled, the group gained support from two outspoken opponents to the monarchy.
Well-known Republican, Professor Trond Nordby, and author-editor Jon Michelet latched on to the group, called "For a Republic in Norway."
"It's an historic event when an organization aimed at doing away with the monarchy is established for the first time in Norway," said Nordby. The group started up in December, but now has been formally registered and claims to be gathering steam.
Nordby concedes that he and his fellow republicans "will probably continue to be a minority for many years." But he cites "serious" reasons for doing away with the monarchy.
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Here's the official engagement photo of Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby and Crown Prince Haakon
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Nordby notes the monarch no longer is thought to be descended from God, that the monarchy has no political power and that the Norwegian people no longer need it as a unifying symbol.
He called the inheritance of royal titles "an anachronism."
Michelet contended the monarchy has lost respect. While the late King Olav liked to say he had 4 million bodyguards, representing Norway's total population, "today's crown prince is surrounded by 4 million informers whose main goal is to call VG (a local tabloid) as soon as they see him at the grocery store."
Bernt Nilsen, who founded the group, said his anti-royal sentiment was fueled a few years ago when King Harald visited Northern Norway and police prevented Nilsen from unfurling a banner protesting the monarchy.
The anti-royalists hope to pour cold water on Haakon's and Mette-Marit's wedding in August, encouraging all Norwegians to leave the country in protest.
The wedding celebration itself is planned over three days, culminating in a 5pm ceremony at Oslo's Cathedral (Domkirken) on Saturday August 25.
Aftenposten Interactive English Desk
Nina Berglund
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