Norwegian royals welcome Macron

The Norwegian Royal Family has welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife on an official visit to Norway.

In the afternoon of 23 June, Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Ingrid Alexandra joined Macron at a Norwegian-French roundtable conference at the National Museum in Oslo to discuss energy and the green transition.

Later, Queen Sonja and Crown Princess Mette-Marit took First Lady Brigitte Macron to the Queen Sonja Art Stables to view the exhibit “At the King’s Table.” They also saw a musical performance at the Riding House by Catharina Chen and Nina Dolgintseva.

The Queen, Crown Princess and First Lady also visited the Munch Museum in Bjørvika.

Standing: Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Queen Sonja, and First Lady Brigitte. Sitting: King Harald, President Macron, and Princess Astrid. Photo: Ola Vatn, The Royal Court

In the evening, the King held an audience for the President and First Lady at the Royal Palace before a gala dinner. An official photo was also taken before the dinner began.

The King and Queen were joined by the Crown Prince Couple, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Princess Astrid. His Majesty spoke during the gala dinner, touching on the partnership between France and Norway.

“Norway values ​​France’s clear leadership in building European unity and solidarity.  Freedom and democracy are prerequisites for human development and community. The Franco-Norwegian friendship has sprung from this shared set of values, and it has become increasingly closer over the years – in business, education and culture,” he said.

President Macron spoke before the national anthems were played, and the King’s Guard provided entertainment.

The President and First Lady are on a two-day visit to Norway. The last official visit from a French President to Norway was 41 years ago.