hellomagazine.com

METTE-MARIT AND KIDS DON FOLK DRESS FOR NATIONAL DAY

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18 MAY 2006

Princess Mette-Marit and her two eldest children took a step back in time on Wednesday when they stepped out in traditional Norwegian costume to mark the country's constitution day.

Mum, daughter and son were a colourful picture as they posed in traditional outfits, complete with embroidered scarlet waistcoats. The bunad, as it is known, is based on regional folk apparel and first came into existence about 100 years ago.

Although the costume comes in several different versions, Mette-Marit had coordinated her look with that of daughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra. Meanwhile, her son Marius was looking equally the part in a red waistcoat, knee britches and buckle shoes.

Exempted from the folk look were the baby of the family, Sverre Magnus, who was wrapped up warm in a cute powder-blue ensemble, and proud dad Crown Prince Haakon.

It is a popular custom for Norwegians to don folk costume on May 17, when their brilliant hues brighten patriotic events throughout the country.