Kings cross paths in Sochi

There has been a kingly crossover in Sochi as royal representation at the Winter Games increases.  From February 14th to 16th the king and queen of Sweden were cheering on their country's athletes and following the royal trend for wearing patriotic woolly hats - so far, only Princess Anne has missed out on the vogue for bright knits.  Carl XVI Gustaf and Silvia also did what every other visitor to Sochi has done and had their photo taken in front of the Olympic flame.

The king and queen of Sweden do the tourist thing and have a quick pose in front of the Olympic flame

They also spent some time with the Swedish team at the Olympic village and plenty of hours rinkside and slopeside cheering on their athletes.

Royal visitors at the Olympic village - there's no report on whether a tour of the vending machines was included

And just as the Swedish king and queen were making their way back to Stockholm, the Norwegian monarchs arrived.  Harald and Sonia of Norway landed in Sochi on February 17th for several days of cheering, spectating and supporting.  And keeping up with the royal tradition that's really taken hold, woolly hats in national colours were firmly in place at the very start.

Honours even on the hats but Harald and Sonia of Norway are winning the flags race in royal support at the Winter Olympics in Sochi