Belgian State Visit to Norway
Photo: Ole Berg-Rusten / NTB
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium are on a state visit to Norway. The visit marks the close relationship between the two countries. Crown Princess Mette-Marit participated in parts of the programme despite her health condition.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium are this week on a state visit to Norway. The visit marks the close and strong relationship between Norway and Belgium. The Belgian Royal Couple is in Norway from Tuesday 24 March to Thursday 26 March, staying in Oslo for the first two days before travelling to Stavanger.
Following tradition, the visit began with a welcome ceremony at the Palace Square and official photography in the Bird Room at the Royal Palace. King Philippe and Queen Mathilde were received by King Harald, Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon in front of a large number of spectators and soldiers. The Palace Square was decorated with Norwegian and Belgian flags for the occasion. President of the Storting Masud Gharahkhani was also present at the opening ceremony.
Official group photo from the state visit. From left: Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Crown Prince Haakon, Queen Mathilde, King Philippe, King Harald and Queen Sonja. Photo: Ole Berg-Rusten / NTB
Crown Princess Mette-Marit was originally not listed in the programme for the state visit due to her health condition. The Palace's Head of Communications Guri Varpe said last week that the Crown Princess's health has deteriorated. However, just before noon on Tuesday, a change was made to the programme, and the Crown Princess participated in the King's audience for the Belgian Royal Couple, as well as official photography and the exchange of gifts inside the Palace.
King Philippe, Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and King Harald during the audience at the Palace. Photo: Ole Berg-Rusten / NTB
Press contact at the Royal Court, Sara Svanemyr, told VG that the Crown Princess has a serious illness, and that her official programme is adapted to her health condition.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Crown Prince Haakon and Queen Mathilde during the state visit. Photo: Ole Berg-Rusten / NTB
During the state visit, the Belgian Royal Couple will visit the Storting and Akershus Fortress in Oslo, as well as the Norwegian Petroleum Museum in Stavanger.