In December 1909, Amundsen applies to the Norwegian Storting (Parliament) for more money, without informing them that the expedition has been given a southern sub-goal. He bases the application on his need for more money to pay for a larger crew for a longer period, but is rejected.
Although the Storting will give no more, both King Haakon and Queen Maud are enthusiastic about the expedition.
Thursday, June 2, 1910
The royal couple arrive on board the Fram, having come straight from England where they attended the funeral of the queen’s father, King Edward VII. According to some, the queen looks worn out, and the king is also understood to be clearly moved and fraught.
On deck they are received by Amundsen. Fridtjof Nansen is also on board and standing behind are the crew in blue suits. One by one they are presented to the royal couple.
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King Haakon greets Fridtjof Nansen. Roald Amundsen stands to the left. All photos: Roald Amundsen's House, MiA - 2/6
Amundsen and the King in conversation. - 3/6
In turn, the crew shook hands with the King… - 4/6
...and the Queen. - 5/6
The King showed great interest during the tour on board. - 6/6
Roald Amundsen says goodbye to the royal couple.
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The royal portraits were placed above the piano onboard. Foto: Roald Amundsen's House, MiA
They gather in the large study to hear the King speak.
Amundsen thanks.
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The portraits of the royal family were hung on board the Fram and were later also taken on the Maud expedition (1918-1925) and the voyage with the airship Norge across the Arctic Ocean (1926). Finally, they found a place on the wall in the blue living room in Roald Amundsen's House. Photo: Roald Amundsen's House, MiA.
Monday, June 6, 1910
At home at Uranienborg a farewell party is thrown. Moored just offshore is Fram and on board are the equipment and materials for Framheim. Ashore are Amundsen, the crew, and relatives and friends. In the garden are tables covered with flowers and cakes, and in the glasses there is sparkling wine. The gentlemen smoke cigars. Everyone has turned up to wish their loved ones a good trip north, ready to say goodbye for perhaps seven years.
One of the guests raises a glass and urges them to send good thoughts north in the coming years. Amundsen thanks them.
Roald's brother Leon comes running at the last minute, having punctured on the way when cycling over a broken horseshoe.
The horseshoe is nailed to the mast in the vestibule, for good luck.
Then the engine is started, the anchor is weighed and Fram begins the journey out into the fjord.
Only a few know where they are really going.
