The Norwegian royal family has been under a cloud of controversies recently, with family issues and health concerns affecting their public image. King Harald, after announcing a permanent reduction in official duties in April 2024, still refrains from abdicating in favor of his son, Prince Haakon, who is shouldering many royal responsibilities. Despite a sparse official schedule, vacationing remains a priority for the king.

Although the royal communication team is open about the king's absences, they remain tight-lipped about his destinations. However, in February 2024, a trip to Malaysia became public due to a hospitalization incident. Recently, it was revealed that in March, King Harald and Queen Sonia enjoyed a private vacation in Tenerife, Spain, to pay tribute to Thor Heyerdahl, a notable Norwegian explorer and scientist.

On March 23, Jacqueline Heyerdahl, Thor's widow, and Alicia Barroso, director of the Pirámides de Güímar park, welcomed the royal couple at this renowned ethnographic park and botanical garden. Located 26 kilometers from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the park draws 80,000 visitors annually. The visit, initially kept secret for security reasons, has now been disclosed with details and images. "For Norwegians, Heyerdahl is the world's top ambassador. He lived his last decade in Tenerife, maintaining a close bond with the Norwegian royals," Barroso shared with EL PAÍS.

The outdoor museum, established in the early 1990s, aims to preserve stepped pyramid structures discovered in Güímar. Heyerdahl, who researched pyramids worldwide, proposed they were ancient sun-worship temples, a theory still under investigation. The explorer's legacy continues to resonate on the island.

This was the royal couple's first visit to Tenerife, where they stayed for several weeks. "During their vacation, some reports claimed they were in southern Spain, but no exact location was known," Barroso noted. During their time there, they reunited with Jacqueline Heyerdahl: "They hadn't seen each other in a long time. It was a touching moment."

The guided tour, conducted by Barroso in English, lasted over two hours. Throughout, the royals displayed a keen interest in Heyerdahl's work in Tenerife. They visited a park section dedicated to the explorer, placing a floral wreath beside his bust. "They were very down-to-earth, chatting naturally and warmly. I saw them in good spirits," Barroso recalled. She added, "The king has mobility issues and uses two crutches. We provided chairs for them to rest during pauses." Barroso also praised Queen Sonia's vitality: "She was active, snapping photos with her phone, reminiscing about past travels. She's very inquisitive." Shortly afterwards, the queen faced respiratory issues requiring hospitalization.

Four days prior to their visit, the park was informed, and the couple arrived with security provided by the Spanish royal family. The secrecy was maintained until the day of the visit for other museum staff. Despite this, they prepared a surprise for the Norwegian royals: "We gifted them a traditional Canarian ceramic, resembling spoons used by the Guanches, along with a bouquet in Norway's flag colors." Following their visit, the royals expressed gratitude in a letter, appreciating the effort to preserve Heyerdahl's legacy.

During their stay in southern Tenerife, they also enjoyed a lunch in Güímar before the park tour. Upon completion, they sought recommendations for other Tenerife attractions. Queen Sonia later corresponded with Jacqueline Heyerdahl, sharing her impressions of Tenerife: "She admired the vibrant colors and contrasting landscapes she encountered, and expressed eagerness to recommend Tenerife to others," Barroso proudly stated.