The Crown Prince and Crown Princess visit Germany

They will be visiting Mrs Merkel in her home state of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania.

Former US President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush are also among those who have been personal guests of the Federal Chancellor in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania.

Official programme

The visit will begin on Saturday, 12 June, at the Town Hall in the Hanseatic city of Straslund. Straslund is the gateway from the German mainland to the holiday island of Rügen in the Baltic Sea, and the city’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Crown Prince and Crown Princess will then accompany the Federal Chancellor to Binz, a seaside resort on Rügen known for its lovely buildings, seaside promenade and, not least, for its long pier which offers a view of the entire bay. Mrs Merkel herself will guide the Crown Prince and Crown Princess on their tour of the city’s attractions.

The day will conclude with a two-hour boat ride off Rügen on the MS Nordwind. The visit will give the Crown Prince and Crown Princess ample opportunity to become acquainted with the area and the Federal Chancellor.

Confirms close ties

Norway and Germany have a long history of close ties. Germany is among Norway’s most important trading partners and the two countries share many cultural similarities. Travel between them is extensive and there is a clear affinity between the Norwegian and German peoples. The personal invitation extended by Mrs Merkel to the Crown Prince and Crown Princess reaffirms these ties.

The Crown Prince and Crown Princess first met the Federal Chancellor at the official opening of the Oslo Opera House.