Princess Märtha Louise of Norway has marked World Down Syndrome Day with a message underlining how important every member of society is. In a heartfelt greeting, the Princess spoke of the vital role the awareness day can make by reminding us to celebrate that all people are unique.
In a video message, published by the Royal Court on March 21, Princess Martha Louise said: “Congratulations on World Day for Down Syndrome. Today we celebrate that each of us is completely unique. We celebrate that all people are equally valuable. We celebrate that we are all both happy and sad about each other. That is what it is to be human.”
Princess Märtha Louise continued: “It has been a special year for all of us. Many have felt even more lonely without the regular activities that mean so much – and with less human contact than usual. Now we all hope that we will soon move towards brighter times. So today, on World Day for Down Syndrome, there is good reason to celebrate anyway. We celebrate that everyone is equally unique. Congratulations everyone!”
Princess Martha Louise has made supporting people with physical and mental health difficulties a mainstay of her royal work. The Princess Märtha Louise Fund was established on 15 September 1972. The fund’s capital is used to support measures in Norway to help children with disabilities and the Princess also visits associations and initiatives that have received support from the fund. Her Majesty Queen Sonja is also involved in the fund’s work and sits on the board together with Princess Martha and a number of other prominent people.
In addition to her fund, the princess has agreed to be a patron for several organizations that work for the rights of those with disabilities. Among other organizations, the princess is the high protector of the Association for Muscle Disease, the National Association of the Hearing Impaired, the Norwegian Association of the Blind, the Norwegian Association of the Deaf as well as the Norwegian Rheumatism Association.
What is World Down Syndrome Day?
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) , 21 March, is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
Featured image: Det kongelige hoff