Barry B. White formally accredited U.S. Ambassador to Norway (November 5, 2009)
On Thursday, November 5, 2009, U.S. Ambassador Barry B. White presented his credentials to Norway’s Head of State, King Harald V, and was thereby formally accredited as U.S. Ambassador to Norway.
All newly-appointed ambassadors to Norway must present their credentials to the King at a formal audience. The formality of the time-honored ceremony, which harks back to the beginnings of diplomacy in the Italian Renaissance, accentuates the honor of the appointment and the gravity of the diplomatic mission.
Mr. White was collected by the Chief of His Majesty the King’s Military Staff and Aide-de-Camp Nils Petter Granholt at his residence Villa Otium in Nobels gate and driven to the Royal Palace in one of the palace’s escort vehicles. At the palace, he was greeted by a parade of His Majesty The King’s Guard and received by the King, who wore the gala uniform of the Norwegian Army. Ambassador White was dressed for the ceremonious occasion in the traditional morning coat.
After the ceremony, Ambassador White hosted a vin d’honneur at his residence with the U.S. country team in Norway and representatives of the diplomatic corps. Following this, he invited the entire corps diplomatique to his first formal reception.
Ove Thorsheim, the Chief of Protocol & Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed Ambassador White to Norway.
Ambassador White said this about his first official day:
"It has been a most interesting and exciting day. King Harald warmly welcomed me to Norway, as did the diplomatic corps. Now I look forward to my new job, enhancing the relationship between our good friend and close ally Norway. On a more personal note, my wife Eleanor and I are truly enthusiastic about exploring all regions of this beautiful country with its mountains, fjords and skiing opportunities."
Ambassador White and his wife Eleanor look forward to their time in Norway.
