The Norwegian Crown Princess Couple visit Sweden

On 2–4 May, The Crown Princess and Prince Daniel hosted an official visit to Sweden by Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway.

At Lindholmen Science Park, The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon were given a presentation of tomorrow's Gothenburg.

At Lindholmen Science Park, The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon were given a presentation of tomorrow's Gothenburg. Photo: Adam Ihse/TT

The Norwegian Crown Prince Couple were accompanied by Norway's Minister of Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre and a large industry delegation. Sweden's Minister for Foreign Trade and Nordic Affairs Anna Hallberg and Minister for Business, Industry and Innovation Karl-Petter Thorwaldsson participated in parts of the programme. The visit took place in Stockholm over the course of two days, and concluded in Gothenburg.

The aim of the visit was to help strengthen the close business relations between Norway and Sweden, with a focus on green industry and a knowledge-based sustainable future.

The Crown Princess Couple welcomed the Norwegian Crown Prince Couple at Haga Palace.

The Crown Princess Couple welcomed the Norwegian Crown Prince Couple at Haga Palace. Photo: Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

Monday 2 May

Haga Palace and Karolinska Institutet

The visit began at Haga Palace, The Crown Princess Family's residence. The Crown Princess Couple and The Crown Prince Couple then travelled to Karolinska Institutet to take part in a symposium titled 'Norway and Sweden – stronger together than individually'.

The heirs to the Swedish and Norwegian thrones and their spouses during the symposium at Karolinska Institutet.

The heirs to the Swedish and Norwegian thrones and their spouses during the symposium at Karolinska Institutet. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

The Crown Princess and The Crown Prince gave opening speeches, after which discussions were held on stage with Norway's Minister of Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre, Sweden's Minister for Business, Industry and Innovation Karl-Petter Thorwaldsson, Chairman of Investor AB Jacob Wallenberg, Idar Kreutzer from Finance Norway and CEO of Schibstedt Kristin Skogen Lund.

The Crown Princess gave the opening speech for the symposium at Karolinska Institutet.

The Crown Princess gave the opening speech for the symposium at Karolinska Institutet. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

In her speech, The Crown Princess said:

Our two countries have great spirit of innovation. We have the green solutions that the world needs. But if we are to lead this transition, we cannot work individually. We need to work as a team, as a knowledge team, across national borders.”

HRH The Crown Princess

Crown Prince Haakon speaks to the symposium's participants.

Crown Prince Haakon speaks to the symposium's participants. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

The Crown Prince Couple and The Crown Princess Couple were given a tour of a tomography laboratory featuring new technology developed in partnership with Norwegian and Swedish institutions.

The Crown Prince Couple and The Crown Princess Couple were given a tour of a tomography laboratory featuring new technology developed in partnership with Norwegian and Swedish institutions. Photo: Pontus Lundahl/TT

Prince Daniel speaks with Crown Prince Haakon on their way to Stockholm's Kulturhuset.

Prince Daniel speaks with Crown Prince Haakon on their way to Stockholm's Kulturhuset. Photo: Jessica Gow/TT

Kulturhuset

At Kulturhuset, the visitors were shown the library and the Room for Children cultural initiative. The library contains books in more than 50 languages aimed at children up to the age of 9. During their visit, The Crown Prince Couple and The Crown Princess Couple met writers Anna Fiske and Elias Våhlund, as well as pupils from Husby Gård School. The heirs to the Swedish and Norwegian thrones and their spouses also had the opportunity to speak with the children about the two writers' books, Starting School and Handbook for Superheroes.

At Kulturhuset, The Crown Princess Couple and The Crown Prince Couple met pupils from Husby Gård School.

At Kulturhuset, The Crown Princess Couple and The Crown Prince Couple met pupils from Husby Gård School. Photo: Jessica Gow/TT

The visit to Kulturhuset concluded in the auditorium, where The Crown Prince Couple and The Crown Princess Couple spoke with agents and writers linked to NORLA (Norwegian Literature Abroad) and the Swedish Arts Council.

The King and Queen then hosted lunch for the heirs to the Swedish and Norwegian thrones and their spouses at the Royal Palace, together with Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia.

The King and Queen, The Crown Princess Couple, The Prince Couple and the Norwegian Crown Princess Couple in Princess Sibylla's Apartments at the Royal Palace.

The King and Queen, The Crown Princess Couple, The Prince Couple and the Norwegian Crown Princess Couple in Princess Sibylla's Apartments at the Royal Palace. Photo: Tom Hansen/SPA

Meeting with Swedish and Norwegian industry

During the afternoon, The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon visited the Norwegian Embassy where they were given presentations and held discussions with representatives from the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise, and Swedish and Norwegian businesses.

The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon with representatives from Swedish and Norwegian businesses. To the right is Jan-Olof Jacke, CEO of the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise.

The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon with representatives from Swedish and Norwegian businesses. To the right is Jan-Olof Jacke, CEO of the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise. Photo: Jessica Gow/TT

Photo: Yanan Li

The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon with senior economist Klas Eklund.

The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon with senior economist Klas Eklund. Photo: Yanan Li

The Norwegian reciprocal reception

In the evening, Norway's Crown Prince Couple invited their Swedish hosts to a reception at Norra Latin. During the reception, The Crown Princess Couple and The Crown Prince Couple had the opportunity to speak with representatives from Swedish and Norwegian businesses.

The Crown Princess Couple and the Crown Prince Couple arrive at the reception at Norra Latin.

The Crown Princess Couple and the Crown Prince Couple arrive at the reception at Norra Latin. Photo: Tom Hansen/SPA

Hosts Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit welcome the guests to Norra Latin.

Hosts Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit welcome the guests to Norra Latin. Photo: Jessica Gow/TT

The heirs to the Swedish and Norwegian thrones and their spouses during the reception at Norra Latin.

The heirs to the Swedish and Norwegian thrones and their spouses during the reception at Norra Latin. Photo: Tom Hansen/SPA

Tuesday 3 May

The second day of the official visit from Norway began with The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon attending a symposium on sustainability, circular solutions and offshore wind power. Sweden's Minister for Foreign Trade Anna Hallberg and Norway's Minister of Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre spoke during the symposium.

The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince arrive for the morning's symposium at Hotell At Six.

The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince arrive for the morning's symposium at Hotell At Six. Photo: Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

The symposium dealt with sustainability, circular solutions and offshore wind power.

The symposium dealt with sustainability, circular solutions and offshore wind power. Photo: Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

At the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, The Crown Princess Couple and The Crown Prince Couple took part in a symposium on the future of the seas, with a focus on sustainability. The symposium began with speeches from The Crown Princess and Crown Prince Haakon.

The Crown Princess Couple and the Norwegian Crown Prince Couple arrive at the symposium on the future of the seas, at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

The Crown Princess Couple and the Norwegian Crown Prince Couple arrive at the symposium on the future of the seas, at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Photo: Christine Olsson/TT

The heirs to the Swedish and Norwegian thrones and their spouses during the symposium at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

The heirs to the Swedish and Norwegian thrones and their spouses during the symposium at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Photo: Christine Olsson/TT

In her speech at the symposium, The Crown Princess expressed her hope that Sweden and Norway can act together, and to show real results for the future of the sea.

In her speech at the symposium, The Crown Princess expressed her hope that Sweden and Norway can act together, and to show real results for the future of the sea. Photo: Henric Wauge/SPA

In her speech, The Crown Princess said:

There are many bold promises that look good on paper. But what we need now is no more promises, but to think and act together, and to demonstrate real results.

“It is my hope that today’s symposium will be a step in that direction. I look forward to learning more, and to achieving more – Norway and Sweden, together.”

HRH The Crown Princess

The symposium at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences dealt with the future of the seas, with a focus on sustainability.

The symposium at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences dealt with the future of the seas, with a focus on sustainability. Photo: Henric Wauge/SPA

Crown Prince Haakon gave a speech at the symposium.

Crown Prince Haakon gave a speech at the symposium. Photo: Henric Wauge/SPA

Fryshuset

During a visit to Fryshuset, The Crown Princess Couple and The Crown Prince Couple were given a presentation of Fryshuset's operations, which enable young people to create and participate in youth-driven activities, education and work.

The Crown Princess Couple and Norway's Crown Prince Couple learnt about Fryshuset's operations and met young people.

The Crown Princess Couple and Norway's Crown Prince Couple learnt about Fryshuset's operations and met young people. Photo: Jessica Gow/TT

A visit to the basketball hall with young people from Fryshuset.

A visit to the basketball hall with young people from Fryshuset. Photo: Jessica Gow/TT

The heirs to the Swedish and Norwegian thrones and their spouses then visited the gymnasium, where they spoke with young people. The visit concluded with lunch together with young people, who had also prepared the food.

Crown Prince Haakon had the opportunity to try out his basketball skills.

Crown Prince Haakon had the opportunity to try out his basketball skills. Photo: Henric Wauge/SPA

The Norrsken Foundation

After lunch, The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon visited the Norrsken Foundation, a Swedish non-profit organisation that aims to support businesses and associations aiming to have a positive impact on society.

The Crown Princess Couple and The Crown Prince Couple arrive at the Norrsken Foundation.

The Crown Princess Couple and The Crown Prince Couple arrive at the Norrsken Foundation. Photo: Christine Olsson/TT

The visit included a presentation on the start-up ecosystem in Norway and Sweden.

The visit included a presentation on the start-up ecosystem in Norway and Sweden. Photo: Christine Olsson/TT

Space

The afternoon ended at the Space cultural centre, a forum for digital culture including gaming, music and content production.

The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon on their way to Space on Sergels Torg.

The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon on their way to Space on Sergels Torg. Photo: Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon are given a presentation about Space – Contemporary Digital Culture Center.

The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon are given a presentation about Space – Contemporary Digital Culture Center. Photo: Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

There, The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon had the opportunity to visit a coding lesson for young people, speak with entrepreneurs and attend a workshop arranged by Music Norway: '20 under 30'.

Crown Prince Haakon speaks with one of the young people studying coding.

Crown Prince Haakon speaks with one of the young people studying coding. Photo: Pelle T Nilsson/SPA

Stockholm Surfboard Club

The Crown Prince, The Crown Princess and Prince Daniel visited Stockholm Surfboard Club, where they were welcomed by CEO Anton Edberg and learnt about the company's history, surfboard production and product development.

The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon with employees at Stockholm Surf Club.

The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon with employees at Stockholm Surf Club. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

Wednesday 4 May

The third and final day of the Norwegian Crown Prince Couple's official visit to Sweden began in the royal waiting room at Stockholm Central Station, before Crown Prince Haakon and The Crown Princess Couple travelled by train to Gothenburg.

The Crown Princess, Prince Daniel and Crown Prince Haakon in the royal waiting room at Stockholm Central Station.

The Crown Princess, Prince Daniel and Crown Prince Haakon in the royal waiting room at Stockholm Central Station. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon on their way to Gothenburg for the third day of the official visit.

The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon on their way to Gothenburg for the third day of the official visit. Photo: Paul Wennerholm/TT

The Crown Princess greets Consul General Jan Andréasson on arrival at Gothenburg Central Station.

The Crown Princess greets Consul General Jan Andréasson on arrival at Gothenburg Central Station. Photo: Adam Ihse/TT

The Crown Princess Couple at Gothenburg Central Station.

The Crown Princess Couple at Gothenburg Central Station. Photo: Adam Ihse/TT

On arrival at Lindholmen Science Park, The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon were met by Sweden's Minister for Foreign Trade Anna Hallberg and Norway's Minister of Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre. CEO of Lindholmen Science Park Tord Hermansson and CEO of Business Region Gothenburg Patrik Andersson spoke about the region's development and presented a model of the future of Gothenburg.

Symposium on renewable energy

The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon then took part in a symposium on renewable energy. There, The Crown Princess gave a speech in which she said:

Linking arms with Norway – our most important trading partner and export market – comes naturally to Sweden. Norwegian and Swedish businesses have a fantastic opportunity to contribute towards sustainable development together, and also to emerge as winners as more and more countries demand green solutions.”

HRH The Crown Princess

The Crown Princess gives a speech during the symposium at Lindholmen Science Park.

In her speech, The Crown Princess emphasised that Norway is Sweden's most important trading partner. Photo: Adam Ihse/TT

Crown Prince Haakon also gave a speech at the symposium.

Crown Prince Haakon also gave a speech at the symposium. Photo: Adam Ihse/TT

Norway's Minister of Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre and Sweden's Minister for Foreign Trade Anna Hallberg held a discussion on the stage about moving from words to action. The symposium concluded with a panel discussion with representatives from Norwegian and Swedish businesses on the transition to renewable energy.

The Crown Princess Couple and The Crown Prince of Norway are welcomed to the Maritime Dynamics Laboratory.

The Crown Princess Couple and The Crown Prince of Norway are welcomed to the Maritime Dynamics Laboratory. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

Visit to the Maritime Dynamics Laboratory

At the Maritime Dynamics Laboratory, The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon were welcomed by SSPA's CEO Stefan Eliasson and CEO of the Swedish Shipowners' Association Anders Hermansson.

They then learnt about the Orcelle Wind concept, green shipping and wind-powered RoRo ships.

At the Maritime Dynamics Laboratory, the royal guests learnt about sustainable technology within the shipping industry.

At the Maritime Dynamics Laboratory, the royal guests learnt about sustainable technology within the shipping industry. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

Visit to the research vessel Skagerak

Acting County Governor Lisbeth Schultze hosted lunch for the royal guests at the County Governor's official residence.

Vice-Chancellor Eva Wiberg welcomes The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon to the research vessel Skagerak.

Vice-Chancellor Eva Wiberg welcomes The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon to the research vessel Skagerak. Photo: Adam Ihse/TT

The Crown Princess, Prince Daniel and Crown Prince Haakon then walked to Stenpiren, where Station Manager Louise Newman welcomed them to the research vessel R/V Skagerak.

The Crown Princess Couple, Crown Prince Haakon and Norway's Minister of Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre on board the research vessel Skagerak.

The Crown Princess Couple, Crown Prince Haakon and Norway's Minister of Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre on board the research vessel Skagerak. Photo: Adam Ihse/TT

On board, The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon learnt about the ship's capacity and the research, education and cooperation carried out within the marine sciences of oceanography, chemistry, geology, biology and atmospheric science.

The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon outside the House of Norway, where the three-day official visit drew to a close.

The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon outside the House of Norway, where the three-day official visit drew to a close. Photo: Adam Ihse/TT

Reception at the House of Norway

The official visit concluded in the afternoon with The Crown Princess Couple and Crown Prince Haakon attending a reception at the House of Norway, where students from the University of Gothenburg's Academy of Music and Drama provided musical entertainment.

Reception at the House of Norway.

Reception at the House of Norway. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden

The flags of Norway and Sweden during the reception at the House of Norway.

The flags of Norway and Sweden during the reception at the House of Norway. Photo: Sara Friberg/The Royal Court of Sweden