Representing Norway abroad
The Royal House represents Norway abroad, both on special occasions and on more extensive travels, such as state visits.
The Royal House represents Norway at events abroad. These may include, for example, commemorations at which it is important for Norway to be present, such as ceremonies marking the Normandy landings, the liberation of Auschwitz, or the inauguration of a new pope.
The Royal House also supports Norwegian sport, art, and culture by attending major sporting events, opening exhibitions featuring works by Norwegian artists, and promoting Norwegian literature abroad.
State visits
During a state visit, one head of state pays an official visit to another head of state. They are accompanied by a delegation representing various sectors of society, with the business community in particular being broadly represented. The purpose is to build relationships and strengthen Norway’s interests abroad.
State visits include a number of fixed ceremonial elements, such as a welcoming ceremony, the laying of wreaths, and a gala dinner. During the visit, a large number of meetings take place at different levels, along with conferences, the promotion of culture and business, and visits to social and cultural institutions.
When Their Majesties The King and Queen undertake state visits abroad, they are accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and other representatives of the Government. When foreign heads of state pay state visits to Norway, The King and Queen act as hosts.
King Harald conducted 50 state visits abroad
Other official travels
Their Majesties King Haakon and Queen Mette-Marit represented Norway on a range of official visits abroad when they were Crown Prince and Crown Princess.
The purpose of these visits resemble those of a state visit, but they are conducted with less ceremony and fewer top level meetings. However, the purpose is often the same: To build relations and promote Norwegian interests abroad.
The business community is usually strongly represented in delegations on both state visits and other major official journeys. The role of acting as a door-opener for Norwegian business abroad was developed by King Harald and one to which His Majesty King Haakon also attaches great importance.
