The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge bid goodbye to Sweden and today morning arrived in Norway at Gardermoen Air Force Base, outside Oslo.
The Duke and Duchess had to cancel their last engagement in Sweden due to the heavy snow. They were scheduled to visit Uppsala Airbase and were supposed to leave for Norway from Uppsala.
Instead, they received a briefing on the Swedish Armed Forces from Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist and then they left from Arlanda Airport in Stockholm.
William and Kate are greeted by Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit. pic.twitter.com/4wU5iVbqtd
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) February 1, 2018
In Norway, the couple was received by Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit. This was Duchess’ first meeting with Haakon and Mette-Marit. The Crown couple will accompany them to today’s engagement.
Regarding the tour, Kensington Palace stated, “The Duke and Duchess have asked, as with previous overseas visits, that this tour allow them opportunities to meet as many Norwegians as possible. The UK’s links with Norway are extensive, and Their Royal Highnesses are looking forward to building a lasting friendship with the people of Norway.”
“The two-day visit will see the Duke and Duchess learn more about Norwegian entrepreneurship and innovation, meeting young people with a focus on mental health, an official dinner at the Royal Palace, and a visit the ski jump Holmenkollen, one of Norway’s most iconic landmarks, which boasts dramatic views over the city of Oslo.”
After exchanging greetings, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge headed towards the royal palace where they will be staying for the tour.
At the palace, the couple was officially welcomed by King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway.
The King and Queen hosted a luncheon to welcome the British Royal Couple that was attended by many other members of the Norwegian Royal Family.
It seems William and Catherine gave an official portrait of them to the Norwegian King and Queen.
After lunch, the royal couple met with thousands of well-wishers waiting for them outside the palace.
The Duchess of Cambridge was presented with flowers by the members of the public.
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) February 1, 2018
A video of walkabout shared by Richard Palmer on Twitter.
The first stop of the day was Princess Ingrid Alexandra Sculpture Park within the Palace Gardens that was opened last year in the name of Princess Ingrid Alexandra to mark the 25th anniversary of The King’s reign.
The royal entourage was led by Princess Ingrid Alexandra herself.
The sculptures, of which there are now four, are designed by and for children, through cartoon competitions in schools across the country.
The Duchess of Cambridge talked with the people gathered around the park.
A Royal Wave. The Duchess of Cambridge was really at home with Princess Ingrid. It makes me wonder how it will be when Charlotte will be old. The Mother-daughter time will be wonderful.
Next, the royals attended an event held at MESH, a co-working space for entrepreneurs and start-up companies.
They met a number of Norwegian and UK companies based at MESH showcasing their work and saw how some start-ups are tackling issues such as the environment, and mental health and wellbeing, in new and engaging ways.
Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation are high priorities for Norway and the UK, with plenty of exciting collaboration across the North Sea.
The Duke takes part in a virtual tour around St Andrews, with the help of some new Norwegian technology 🚴🏼#RoyalVisitNorway pic.twitter.com/MRCC3SVxCh
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) February 1, 2018
The Duke took part in a virtual tour around St Andrews –where Duke and Duchess met, with the help of some New Norwegian technology. It must be a trip down memory lane for the couple.
Catherine along with Haakon and Mette-Marit watching William.
The royals try out the remarkable tablet as they check out the various cool start-up companies showcased at MESH in Oslo.
Earlier today, The Duke and Duchess got a special demonstration of The Swedish Air Force Gripen fighter jet as they flew between Stockholm and Oslo ✈️ pic.twitter.com/yfhEw0Rvtb
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) February 1, 2018
The Palace shared a video remarked, “Earlier today, The Duke and Duchess got a special demonstration of The Swedish Air Force Gripen fighter jet as they flew between Stockholm and Oslo”.
For the third time on the tour, Duchess Catherine chose a Catherine Walker number. She wore a blue funnel neck coat. It can be safely assumed that all the coats The Duchess of Cambridge wore during are bespoke as they fit her perfectly in the almost third trimester of pregnancy.
Underneath, the Duchess wore a very beautiful Seraphine Marlene dress.
The blue Maternity Cocktail Dress has a soft woven skirt that sweeps elegantly to the knee, creating a flattering A-line silhouette that’s perfect before, during, and after pregnancy. The stunning lace bodice is lined in a comfortable stretch jersey, while the elegant long sleeves are made in stylish peek-a-boo lace, with subtle bell detailing at the cuffs. Velvet ribbon detailing at the empire waist, cuffs, and collar complete the look.
Catherine paired her outfit with two pairs of shoes today. Early in the morning, she was wearing Tod’s black block-heel suede pumps.
Later in the day during the walkabout, she was seen wearing Russell and Bromley Half N Half Stretch Knee High Boots.
Norway is having extremely cold weather and The Duchess of Cambridge was fully equipped to fight it. She wore her Sumac Lacorine Luxury Alpaca Fur hat and Cornelia James Clementine Gloves with Faux Fur Trim. She was carrying a suede clutch and finished her look of the day with sapphire and diamond earrings.
The first day in Norway was wonderful. The couple made new friends and have a very good time.
