Harald's salute brings State Visit to an end

King Harald salutes the President and First Lady of Poland during the final day of their State Visit to Norway

As the Polish State Visit to Norway came to an end, it finally stopped raining. King Harald accompanied President Andrzej Duda and his wife, Agata Duda, to Narvik for the final engagements of their visit and was able, at last, to put away the umbrellas. And beneath the slowly brightening skies, the three took part in a poignant ceremony to end the three day visit.

Back to business on day two of Polish State Visit to Norway

King Harald and Crown Princess Mette-Marit with the President and First Lady of Poland on day two of their State Visit to Norway

If day one of the Polish State Visit to Norway was all about tradition, then day two was about getting down to business. There were forums, there were talks, there were speeches and there was yet more rain. This was the serious part of this State Visit.

Norway's Royals welcome the President of Poland

Norway's Royal Family welcomes the President of Poland and his wife on a three day State Visit

You can't beat a royal umbrella which is fortunate really as the Polish State Visit to Norway got under way in such heavy rain that there were brollies everywhere. As King Harald V and Queen Sonja welcomed Andrzej Duda and his wife to Oslo, the heavens opened and there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

End of the Jordanian State Visit to Belgium

The King and Queen of the Belgians with the King and Queen of Jordan on a lunchtime stroll in Bruges on day two of the State Visit

(photo Queen Rania Instagram)

There were buses, there were bridges and there was a lot of chocolate. The State Visit by the King and Queen of Jordan to Belgium came to an end in Bruges with a chance to see some of the most famous sights in this most famous city. Including chocolate. Royals and chocolate - what's not to love?

The Jordanian State Visit to Belgium under way

Queen Mathilde of the Belgians with Queen Rania of Jordan on day one of the State Visit
(photo Queen Rania Instagram)

There was a warm welcome for the King and Queen of Jordan as they arrived in Belgium for a three day State Visit. Before their trip was even officially under way, the King and Queen of the Belgians and their children had given them a proper family greeting to get things started.

End of an historic State Visit to Sweden

The King and Queen of Sweden with the President of Chile at the end of the three day State Visit

This was an historic visit, the first time a Chilean Head of State has paid a State Visit to Sweden. And while we had plenty of pomp and ceremony throughout the three day trip, it ended as all modern State Visits must by getting down to business. King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia accompanied their guest to Gothenburg where the innovation and green transport were the order of the day.

Victoria leads the way on day two of Chile State Visit

Daniel has to smile as his handshake is passed over for a chat with his wife during day two of the State Visit from Chile to Sweden

There was business, there was lunch, there were politics, there were photographs but most of all there was a Crown Princess in bright white who stole the show on day two of an historic State Visit to her country. As Chile's President, Michelle Bachelet, continued her tour of Sweden, the first by a head of state from her country, Victoria became the star of the show.

Chile's State Visit to Sweden under way

The King and Queen of Sweden at the official greeting for President Michelle Bachelet of Chile at the start of her State Visit

It's the first time that a leader of her country has made a State Visit to Sweden and it all started with that most royal of travel plans, a carriage ride. President Michelle Bachelet of Chile was making history as she began her three day trip and she did it in style