Queen Mette-Marit to miss opening of Storting

Queen Mette-Marit of Norway will not attend the opening of the Storting today.

According to the royal palace, the Queen has a respiratory infection.

The official opening of the 171st Storting takes place today at 1 p.m and King Haakon will preside over the ceremonial opening.

King Haakon will open the Storting with the Speech from the Throne. This will outline the main parts of the government’s work program and policies for the coming year. After the Speech from the Throne, the State of the Nation Address is read out by a member of the government.

Queen Mette-Marit is still undergoing rehabilitation following a lung transplant in June. Her doctor said, “The queen is following the planned training program, and we are satisfied with the progress. She is still in a rehabilitation period that will last approximately one year following the surgery.”

This will be King Haakon’s first time opening parliament since he succeeded his father in August. He will be joined by Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra.