State visit from Iceland

The visit confirmed the close relationship between Iceland and Norway. The relationship between Iceland and Norway has deep historical roots. Our shared cultural heritage and the close cooperation in culture, business, research, and defence are central to the visit. The visit also highlights the importance of Nordic cooperation in uncertain times.

The national anthems are played during the welcome ceremony at the Palace Square. Photo: Javad Parsa, NTB.

The formal welcome ceremony began at the Palace Square, where the national anthems of both countries were played, and President Tómasdóttir, accompanied by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon, inspected an honour guard from the King's Guard.

The Crown Prince and the Icelandic President Halla Tómasdóttir at the Palace Square. Photo: Javad Parsa / NTB.

Along with The King and Queen and The Crown Prince and Crown Princess, Princess Ingrid Alexandra also participated in the welcome ceremony at the Palace Square. This marks the first time Princess Ingrid Alexandra has taken part in the official programme during a state visit to Norway. In 2004, as a five-month-old, Princess Ingrid Alexandra joined the Crown Prince Couple on their official trip to Iceland.

Princess Ingrid Alexandra greets the Icelandic President during the welcome ceremony at Slottsplassen. Photo: Javad Parsa / NTB.

Inside the Royal Palace, the welcome ceremony continued with an official photo session in the Bird Room and an exchange of gifts. 

Official photography in the Bird Room. Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB.

Wreath-laying ceremony at the National Monument

The Crown Prince and Crown Princess accompanied the Icelandic presidential couple to Akershus Fortress, where the president laid a wreath at the Norwegian national monument. It is a tradition for visiting heads of state to pay this tribute to the Norwegian fallen from World War II.

After the ceremony at Akershus Fortress, The Crown Prince accompanied the Icelandic president to the Parliament, where the President of the Storting, Masud Gharahkhani, extended a welcome.

Exchange of gifts. Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB.

Responsible leadership

President Halla Tómasdóttir was accompanied by The Crown Prince to a seminar at BI in Nydalen, Oslo. There, they met with students and representatives from Norwegian business. The theme of the visit was responsible leadership in a world full of change. Also present were Iceland's Minister of Foreign Affairs and a business delegation.

Gala dinner

Tonight, there is a gala dinner at the Royal Palace in honour of the visit. The King and Queen, The Crown Prince Couple, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Princess Astrid will attend, alongside the Icelandic presidential couple.

The tables in the Grand Dining Hall are set for 196 guests. The guest list includes representatives from official Norway, as well as guests from Norwegian and Icelandic society, business, and cultural life.

Continues in Oslo and Trondheim.

The state visit from Iceland will continue in Oslo tomorrow. The program includes visits to Innovation Norway, Fontenehuset, a Norwegian-Icelandic literature event, and a lunch hosted by the government.

On Thursday, The Crown Prince will accompany the presidential couple to Trondheim. The program includes a business event on the blue economy, a concert at Nidaros Cathedral, and lunch at Leangen Gård with the mayor of Trondheim as the host. The state visit will conclude in Trondheim with a visit to the Home Guard division at Værnes, which has a training program for Ukrainian soldiers.