Friday 8 April 2016

Sonja sings the praises of the past

There was music and spring sunshine for King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway as they continued their State Visit to Italy on April 7th. The royal couple visited some of the most famous parts of Rome on day two of their trip and Sonja was ready to take advice from her hosts home with her after a visit to one of the city's most iconic sites.


King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway amdist the splendour of the ruins of Rome on day two of their State Visit
(photo kongehuset.no)

The King and Queen of Norway were given a tour of the Roman Forum, where ruins of the buildings that sat at the heart of an empire now nestle amidst the hustle and bustle of a vibrant 21st century city. And as she walked through the past, Queen Sonja was full of admiration for the way the buildings are cared for and brought to life for new visitors every day. Speaking of how Italy looks after what went before she said, ''they take such good care of their ruins and buildings, of the monuments of their past. That is something we could learn from.''


King Harald and Queen Sonja, along with the acting mayor of Rome, Francesco Paolo Tronca on day two of the Norwegian State Visit to Italy
(photo kongehuset.no)

Day two of the State Visit had begun at another landmark of Rome as Harald and Sonja visited Italy's national monument, Il Vittoriano, and laid a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier there and went on to meet the acting mayor of Rome.





The afternoon was all about song as the royals attended a reception at the residence of the Norwegian ambassador to Italy where they were serenaded by a boy's choir, Solvguttene, as they met representatives of the Norwegian and Italian private and public sectors.  Queen Sonja's outfit for day two was a chic monochrome look with a pretty white top and jacket and simple black skirt. 





Day three of their State Visit will see them head to Milan for engagements linked to business and to fashion. There may be more song to come in the Italian spring air.

There is a special page about April's State Visits here.

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