Norwegian Royalty to visit Newfoundland and Labrador

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Tom Lush, will travel to L�Anse aux Meadows on Saturday, May 11 to represent the province for the arrival of Norwegian royalty. Their Majesties, King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway will visit the L�Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site to unveil a replica bust of Helge and Anne Stine Ingstad.

In 1960, Helge Ingstad, a Norwegian historian and explorer, accompanied by his wife, archaeologist Anne Stine Ingstad, uncovered the remains of the 11th century buildings in L�Anse aux Meadows. They have made considerable contributions to world history, verifying that the Vikings were the first to arrive in North America, 500 years prior to Columbus.

Minister Lush is delighted to be in attendance for the royal visit and the unveiling ceremony.

"On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I look forward to welcoming Their Majesties, The King and Queen of Norway during their visit to Newfoundland and Labrador for the official unveiling of a monument to Helge and his wife Anne Stine Ingstad," said Minister Lush. "The Ingstads made an important contribution to the history of Newfoundland and Labrador. The discovery at L�Anse aux Meadows is hailed as one of the most significant pieces of archaeological and historical research to have ever taken place in this province. The Ingstads have the admiration and thanks of a province and a people for the archaeological and anthropological work which has given us L�Anse aux Meadows."

The royal couple visited other Canadian locations from May 6 - 11, including Ottawa, Muskoka, Toronto, Halifax and Lunenburg. The visit to L�Anse aux Meadows concludes the King and Queen�s first Canadian visit.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-1341.

2002 05 10                          11:15 a.m.