The King and Queen of Norway have made a spectacular entry into the capital of Denmark at the start of their official visit to the country.
King Harald and Queen Sonja arrived on board the Royal Yacht Norge and sailed across the harbour waters in a launch as flags were flown and gun salutes were fired.
There was music to welcome them as they stepped on shore at Nordre Tollbod where Queen Margrethe was waiting to offer an official welcome as their two day voyage commenced.
Embed from Getty ImagesThere were smiles, too, as King Harald laughed off a trip he had as he walked up the steps from his launch to greet the Queen of Denmark. After steadying himself following a fall, the King joked he was showing his admiration for his friend and cousin. Queen Margrethe told him not to expect her to do the same.
The Danish monarch then hosted her relations for a lunch at the Amalienborg Palace.
This isn’t a State Visit, rather an official one, but it has a similar agenda with a focus on developing ties between the two nations. The main themes of the visit include trade and green technology and following their welcome, King Harald and Queen Sonja headed to the opening of a Danish-Norwegian business seminar.
Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary accompanied them for this first engagement of the visit.
King Harald addressed the seminar, saying ‘‘Both Denmark and Norway are ocean nations with valuable natural resources. Denmark is a pioneer in offshore wind and offshore wind technology. Norway’s expertise from both the oil and gas industry and hydropower has transfer value to the offshore wind industry. Together we can develop the North Sea into Europe’s green powerhouse.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThey later attended a panel discussion around increasing co-operation in green industrial development as well as increasing sustainability.
The day ended with a gala dinner at the Amalienborg Palace where Queen Margrethe spoke warmly of the strong bonds between Denmark and Norway. Her Majesty said ”Norway and Denmark are like two siblings. Not only do we share a long history, but together with the rest of the Nordic region, we also share fundamental values. Culture and language support and strengthen our common Nordic identity….mobility and integration ensure that we can study, travel, work and establish businesses with each other. Our democratic and inclusive societies, where all citizens participate and everyone has responsibilities and rights, are strong and are prepared to tackle even the greatest challenges.”
King Harald and Queen Sonja’s visit continues on June 16th where they will spend time in Aarhus, having sailed there on the Royal Yacht Norge. They will be accompanied by Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary.
