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Explore the milestones of our enduring partnership with Highclere Castle and our long history with the beloved Downton Abbey franchise.
Viking's Karine Hagen and Lady Carnarvon were introduced by their longtime mutual friends, Michael and Daphne Dormer. Since then, their friendship has blossomed into a sisterly bond and business partnership, inspired by their shared passion for storytelling, discovery and their beloved yellow Labradors.
The debut season of the television series Downton Abbey premieres on ITV in the United Kingdom. The British historical drama becomes a sensation, garnering critical acclaim and numerous awards for its exceptional writing and acting.
Committed to promoting enrichment and cultural events, Viking becomes a national sponsor of MASTERPIECE, the celebrated series that first introduced Downton Abbey to American audiences on PBS.
Finse, a yellow Labrador, is born at Highclere Castle and gifted to Karine Hagen, Executive Vice President of Product at Viking, by the Countess of Carnarvon.
Viking launches the children’s book series, The World of Finse, featuring Karine’s dog, Finse, who travels the globe sharing insights into world cultures with little ones curious to learn.
Viking establishes an official partnership with Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England, and introduces the Privileged Access® Oxford & Highclere land extension, developed in close collaboration with the Carnarvon family.
The final season of Downton Abbey airs on PBS and ITV, concluding with a special episode broadcast on Christmas Day.
During a surprise visit on board the Viking Sea, Karine’s yellow Labrador, Finse, is joyfully reunited with her mother, Bella, to celebrate the ship’s naming ceremony in London, England, where Karine is honored as the godmother. Also pictured with the affectionate dogs is Bella’s owner, Lady Carnarvon, and Karine’s goddaughter, Maya.
Viking is the headline sponsor of the “Heroes at Highclere” event, honoring the centennial anniversary of World War I and raising funds for an array of healthcare and veterans’ charities.
Viking becomes an exclusive partner for the release of Focus Features’ film, Downton Abbey, the first feature-length film of the beloved franchise.
Viking.TV, our award-winning enrichment channel, launches with an ongoing series titled At Home at Highclere, hosted by the Countess of Carnarvon. Since 2020, she has led more than twenty virtual tours and offered glimpses of daily life at her home.
Viking partners with Focus Features for their second film installment of the franchise, Downton Abbey: A New Era. This marks the first time that viewers see the Crawley family travel outside of the U.K.
Viking sponsors the Highclere Castle History Festival, commemorating the anniversaries of World War II and D-Day.
The Hon. Edward “Eddie” Herbert, son of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, serves as godfather of an Egypt ship, the Viking Hathor, naming the ship at the iconic Karnak Temple in Luxor.
Viking partners with Focus Features once again for the release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, the third and final film in the storied franchise.
