More royal hellos for Dutch king and queen

The new king and queen of the Netherlands are continuing their 'pleased to meet you as a monarch' tour of Europe and the latest stop is Norway where they have been spending the day with the royal family and leading politicians. 

 

Two kings, two queens - Willem-Alexander and Maxima of the Netherlands and King Harald and Queen Sonia of Norway on October 2nd 2013 in Oslo

It's not the first time the new king and queen have met Harald since their accession but their last day together was much sadder.  The Norwegian king was godfather to Willem-Alexander's late brother, Friso, and attended the prince's funeral in August.  But today was a much happier occasion and began with a big hello at Oslo airport where they were greeted by the Crown Prince and Princess before heading off to the Royal Palace where they found King Harald and Queen Sonia just hanging about hoping they'd pop by.  They'd asked along some children from the Dutch school in Oslo to add to the welcome.

 

Willem-Alexander and Maxima are greeted by children from the Dutch school in Oslo on their arrival at the Royal Palace on their getting to know you visit

 

A quick photo session with the royals was followed by meetings with the Prime Minster, Jens Stoltenberg, and the president of the Norwegian parliament, Dag Terje Andersen.  And then it was back to the palace for lunch and a new order membership for Maxima who was presented with the Grand Cross of the Order of St. Olav by King Harald.  But there will be no jealous glances on the way home - Willem-Alexander received the same honour in 1996.

 

 

The Norwegian king and queen with their heirs and the king's sister, Princess Astrid, at their meeting with the Dutch king and queen on October 2nd 2013

 

Just one more trip to go for the new Dutch king and queen before their tour is over.  Their last stop will be Sweden on October 18th 2013.