Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit wrapped up very cosy today on the first of their two-day trip to Svalbard.
Their Royal Highnesses arrived in Fylkestur in Longyearbyen this morning, where they were greeted by school children who excitedly waved their national flags during their walkabout.
The couple visit the archipelago, which is one of the world’s northernmost settlements and largest inhabited area of Svalbard, every year to learn about the lives and communities of of local residents.
During the visit the couple visited the town centre, where they were seen smiling and waving as they greeted royal fans.
Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit embarked on the first of their two-day trip to Svalbard
Their Royal Highnesses arrived in Fylkestur in Longyearbyen this morning, where they were greeted by school children
The royal couple were seen chatting with children who excitedly waved their national flags during their walkabout in Longyearbyen, Svalbard today
During the visit the couple visited the town center, where they were seen smiling and waving as they greeted royal fans
Heir Prince Haakon, 48, who is the second child and only son of King Harald V and Queen Sonja, was seen kneeling down to speak with a young royal fan during the walkabout.
Later in the day the couple visited a public library where they spoke with press and chatted with staff before paying a visit to the local youth club.
Mette-Marit, 48, wrapped up warm in a pair of black ski pants, fluffy white teddy coat patterned monochrome mittens, a grey hat and scarf teamed with a grey polo neck jumper.
Meanwhile Haakon protected himself from the elements in a black beanie hat navy blue coat, matching ski pants and a warm grey scarf.
Princess Mette-Marit appeared in high spirits as she waved to young royal fans during a walkabout in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Prince Haakon, 48, who is the second child and only son of King Harald V and Queen Sonja, was seen kneeling down to speak with a young royal fan during the walkabout
The couple seemed delighted to speak to schoolchildren during their visit to the town centre of Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole where the Northern Lights are visible during winter and summer brings the sunlight 24 hours a day.
Haakon is heir apparent to the throne of Norway. Despite being older, his sister Princess Märtha Louise of Norway is fourth in line to the throne due to Norway’s Male-preference primogeniture succession rules.
The couple has two children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. Mette Marit has a child from a previous relationship, 23-year-old Marius Borg Høiby.
Mette-Marit, 48, wrapped up warm in a pair of black ski pants, fluffy white teddy coat patterned monochrome mittens, a grey hat and scarf teamed with a grey polo neck jumper
Haakon protected himself from the elements in a black beanie hat navy blue coat, matching ski pants and a warm grey scarf
Later in the day the couple visited a public library where they spoke with press and chatted with staff before paying a visit to the local youth club
Haakon, who is heir apparent to the throne of Norway, was seen chatting with staff at the local youth club in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit visit the Youth Club in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Mette Marit was born a commoner, to farmers in Norway and was a single mother by the time of her controversial engagement to Crown Prince Haakon in 2000.
She became Crown Princess after the couple’s marriage in 2001. Mette Marit has spent her reign championing humanitarian projects while joining official visits.
Her first official appearance was at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony at Oslo City Hall on December 10, 2000, following the announcement of the couple’s engagement on December 1.
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