In light of the mourning period observed for the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the visit that Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway had scheduled in the UK has now been cancelled.
The Crown Prince Couple was supposed to travel to the United Kingdom next week for a three-day visit focused on technology and healthcare, as well as tightening the business ties that bind the two countries together.
In a very short statement, the Norwegian Royal Court announced that “the official visit […] will not take place.” This is due to the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the mourning period that the UK is currently observing.
It has not been announced whether the visit will be rescheduled at some point in the future or if it has been cancelled altogether.
King Harald of Norway was among the first foreign sovereigns to react to the death of Queen Elizabeth, sending a poignant telegram of condolences, as well as a letter that, among other things, said, “On a personal note, I am mourning the loss of a dear relative and confidant friend.”
His Majesty also ordered that all Norwegian flags be flown at half mast today and the day of the state funeral.
Finally, the Royal Court also published a never before seen picture of a very young Princess Elizabeth with her great-aunt Queen Maud of Norway. The image was taken at Appleton House, on the Sandringham Estate, in 1929, when the young Elizabeth was only three and a half years old.
It is known that the late Queen referred to King Haakon V as “Uncle Charles”; the King was born Prince Carl (hence the Charles) and was married to Princess Maud of Wales, the youngest daughter of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.
