German State Visit to Norway - Day 1.

Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB scanpix

On 11 June, Their Majesties the King and Queen recieved the President of Germany, HE President Joachim Gauck and Mrs. Daniela Schadt, on their state visit to Norway. True to tradition, the welcoming ceremony took place at the Palace Square.

Photo: Berit Roald/NTB Scanpix

The state visit will last three days, during which the program the first two days will take place in Oslo. The last day precursor in Trondheim, where Crown Prince Haakon will accompany President Gauck and Mrs. Schadt.
President Gauck and Mrs. Schadt were accompanied to the Palace Square by the Crown Prince, where they were greeted by King Harald and Queen Sonja. The solemn ceremony of a state visit includes playback of both countries' national anthems and inspection of the Guard of Honour of His Majesty the King's Guard.
After the ceremony outside in the square, followed the King and Queen and Crown Prince guests entered to the castle, for the gift exchange and formal photography in the Bird Room, where Princess Astrid, Mrs Ferner joined them.

Photo: Sven Gj. Gjeruldsen, Det kongelige hoff

At a state visit is a tradition that head of state who are visiting lay a wreath at the National Monument in memory of those who fell during World War 2. The King and Queen accompanied President Gauck and Mrs. Schadt to Akershus Fortress, where the ceremony took place in the morning.
Following the wreath laying ceremony, President Gauck had a meeting with Parliament President Olemic Thommessen. He also met with Prime Minister Erna Solberg, followed by a press conference.

Photo: Berit Roald/NTB Scanpix

Meanwhile, Queen Sonja and Mrs. Schadt Elvebakken visited a high school. Oslo Mayor Fabian Stang, welcomed the Queen and Mrs. Schadt accompanied by Education Minister Thorbjorn Røe Isaksen.
To end the day, the Royal Couple held a gala dinner in the Banqueting Hall at the Royal Palace in honor of the state visit. Both the King and the President spoke at the dinner. The Crown Prince, Crown Princess and Princess Astrid, Mrs Ferner were present.

Photo:  Audun Braastad / NTB scanpix

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