King Harald completes Vestland county tour

King Harald of Norway has completed his three-day tour of Vestland county.

King Harald embarked at the harbour in Askvoll for the last stop of his tour. He was supposed to do the tour with his wife, Queen Sonja, but she was recently diagnosed with heart failure and was admitted to the hospital.

The King was welcomed by the harbourmaster, the mayor, the police chief, and the flower children. There was also a large crowd waiting to welcome the King. As he arrived, the Athletics Choir and Decor performed the “Öyarikets waltz”.

Photo: Ola Vatn, The Royal Court

King Harald met with a representative of the knife manufacturer Helle Fabrikker, based in Askvoll. He also watched a presentation of the land-based fish farming facility Bue Salmon, and met with the Loftheim Family, who converted a Swiss villa into a delicatessen. 

King Harald said, “But then perhaps a day will come when something will gain weight, something that will lure you back to your hometown. And the fact that someone then chooses to follow these impulses means that even small places in Norway are kept alive. They are kept alive by love and inspiration, by homesickness and creativity.”

He added, “It is a good memory that I take home with me from Askvoll, as the end of an unforgettable journey in beautiful Vestland county.”

He told the waiting press, “Then we have finished three days in Vestland County – three very beautiful days, three very different days. It also gives an impression of how different the municipalities in our country are. They should be allowed to be, they should be allowed to show that they are different. Lots of people everywhere and a good atmosphere, so I am satisfied with everything except that the Queen is not here. That is the only thing I think is a shame, and she thinks so too, so I have promised to send her greetings.”