Queen celebrated 30th anniversary of the Norwegian Seamen's Church in France
Queen Sonja attended an anniversary service for the Norwegian Seamen's Church and Cultural Centre in Le Vésinet outside Paris.
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, Queen Sonja attended an anniversary service marking 30 years since the church building in Le Vésinet outside Paris was consecrated as a seamen's church. In November 1996, the church was named Queen Sonja's Church and Cultural Centre, and the Queen herself performed the official inauguration that same year.
Queen Sonja during the anniversary service in Le Vésinet. Photo: The Royal Court
The church serves as an important gathering place for Norwegians in France and offers church services, cultural events and social meeting places. The Seamen's Church holds services, concerts, lectures and other events throughout the year.
During the anniversary service, confirmands also actively participated in the program. A confirmation camp took place the same weekend, highlighting the church's role as a meeting place across generations.
The Queen in conversation during the jubilee. Photo: The Royal Court
After the service, the Queen met with representatives of the church community and discussed the church's significance for the Norwegian community in France. She also greeted the church council of the Seamen's Church and active church members from the area.
Queen Sonja's Church and Cultural Centre is located in Le Vésinet, a suburb west of Paris. For three decades, the church has been a home away from home for Norwegians in France, whether they are residents, students or passing through.
The confirmands contributed actively during the festive service. Photo: The Royal Court
The Seamen's Church in France is part of an international network of Norwegian churches serving Norwegians around the world. The jubilee was an occasion to celebrate the church's long history and its important role in the Norwegian community in France.
Queen Sonja during the anniversary service in Le Vésinet. Photo: The Royal Court
The church serves as an important gathering place for Norwegians in France and offers church services, cultural events and social meeting places. The Seamen's Church holds services, concerts, lectures and other events throughout the year.
During the anniversary service, confirmands also actively participated in the program. A confirmation camp took place the same weekend, highlighting the church's role as a meeting place across generations.
The Queen in conversation during the jubilee. Photo: The Royal Court
After the service, the Queen met with representatives of the church community and discussed the church's significance for the Norwegian community in France. She also greeted the church council of the Seamen's Church and active church members from the area.
Queen Sonja's Church and Cultural Centre is located in Le Vésinet, a suburb west of Paris. For three decades, the church has been a home away from home for Norwegians in France, whether they are residents, students or passing through.
The confirmands contributed actively during the festive service. Photo: The Royal Court
The Seamen's Church in France is part of an international network of Norwegian churches serving Norwegians around the world. The jubilee was an occasion to celebrate the church's long history and its important role in the Norwegian community in France.