Red Carpet on the Snow: The Cambridges' First Day in Norway!

The second leg of the tour officially began when William and Kate landed in Norway at Gardermoen Air Force Base, outside Oslo.


The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were scheduled to visit Uppsala Airbase before departing for Norway this morning. Unfortunately, heavy snow forced the cancellation of their final Swedish engagement. Due to the change of plans, they left from Arlanda Airport in Stockholm rather than Uppsala, where they received a briefing on the Swedish Armed Forces from Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist. During his speech last night, William said "Your security concerns are ours, and it is hugely important that we continue to work ever more closely together to reduce threats".



The Duke and Duchess were met by Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit.


William and Mette-Marit were colour coordinated in their coats and red scarves.


An arrival video.


The Telegraph reports Kate has never met Haakon and Mette-Marit before today. As in Sweden, where they were accompanied by Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, the royal couple will escort them on several engagements in Oslo.


Mette-Marit, 44, studied ethics in Oslo before taking courses at SOAS, University of London, in development. Last year, she openly spoke about how a sudden onset of vertigo left her fearing early menopause. The couple have two children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 14, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 12. Mette-Marit also has a 21 year old son Marius Borg Høiby from a previous relationship. Last year she spoke about the level of media intrusion her son has experienced: "The last few years have been characterized by developments that I as a mother would naturally rather do without. Marius has been subjected to pressure from elements of the Norwegian press that I think is beneath them."


Simon Perry shared a video of the 'Narnia' like weather conditions.


Kate's PA Natasha Archer made a run for it armed with bags and a box.


From the airport, the royals travelled to the Royal Palace, where The Duke and Duchess will stay at the invitation of King Harald and Queen Sonja.


The Duke and Duchess were officially welcomed to Norway by The King and Queen.


William is welcomed by the couple.


The King and Queen hosted a luncheon, which was also be attended by other members of The Royal Family.


Ahead of the arrival, Kensington Palace said "The Duke and Duchess have asked, as with previous overseas visits, that this tour allow them opportunities to meet as many Norwegians as possible. The UK’s links with Norway are extensive, and Their Royal Highnesses are looking forward to building a lasting friendship with the people of Norway." The two-day visit will see the Duke and Duchess learning more about Norwegian entrepreneurship and innovation, meeting young people with a focus on mental health, an official dinner at the Royal Palace, and a visit the ski jump Holmenkollen, one of Norway's most iconic landmarks, which boasts dramatic views over the city of Oslo.


The royals exchanged gifts.


Laura noted the Duke and Duchess gave the King and Queen an official photo.


Oslo is a captivating city filled with stunning architecture.


These quaint houses in central Oslo date back to the late 1700s and 1800s.


The Oslo Tourism board shared the following photo with the caption "A floating sauna with a view to the Oslo Opera House. Something for Prince William & the Duchess of Cambridge when they visit."


After lunch, the royals met locals gathered outside the Palace.


A wave from the Duchess.


A sea of phones and cameras in the crowd.


The Duchess received flowers.


William and Kate took a selfie with Tonje Tejera who is celebrating her 50th birthday today. The couple wished her a Happy Birthday and Kate said "It was my mother's birthday yesterday".


Reporters described the turnout from the public as "huge".


They visited the Princess Ingrid Alexandra Sculpture Park within the Palace Gardens, which opened last year in the name of Princess Ingrid Alexandra to mark the 25th anniversary of The King's reign.


Appropriately, Princess Ingrid Alexandra led the way.


Kate chatting with Queen Sonja and Princess Ingrid Alexandra.


The sculptures, of which there are now four, are designed by and for children, through cartoon competitions in schools across the country.


They posed for photos.


Fires were lit along the path the royals strolled past.


Next, the royals attended an event held at MESH, a co-working space for entrepreneurs and start-up companies to grow their businesses and thrive in a creative environment.


Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation are high priorities for Norway and the UK, with plenty of exciting collaboration across the North Sea.


A great photo of Mette-Marit, Kate and William.


The royals met a number of Norwegian and UK companies based at MESH showcasing their work, and will see how some start-ups are tackling issues such as the environment, and mental health and wellbeing, in new and engaging ways.


Simon Perry reports "Prince William and Kate take a trip down memory lane as they watch a special film of where they met — St Andrews — while trying out an exercise machine aimed at dementia sufferers".

Kate, Mette-Marit and Haakon watch on.


Kensington Palace shared a video from earlier in the day: "Earlier today, The Duke and Duchess got a special demonstration of The Swedish Air Force Gripen fighter jet as they flew between Stockholm and Oslo".


It's a hat-trick for Catherine Walker! Kate chose another coat by the brand today. The piece has a funnel neck. I expect Kate ordered the bespoke coats specifically for the tour and with fittings and measurements at this stage of her pregnancy, it may have been the easiest option to have one brand create several pieces.


Underneath, the Duchess wore the very pretty Seraphine Marlene dress.


From the product description:

'Worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, Seraphine’s Marlene Maternity Cocktail Dress is a true statement piece, perfect for special occasions. The soft woven skirt sweeps elegantly to the knee, creating a flattering A-line silhouette that’s perfect before, during and after pregnancy. The stunning lace bodice is lined in comfortable stretch jersey, while the elegant long sleeves are made in stylish peek-a-boo lace, with subtle bell detailing at the cuffs. Velvet ribbon detailing at the empire waist, cuffs and collar complete the look.'

The Duchess wore her Sumac Lacorine Luxury Alpaca Fur hat and her sapphire and diamond earrings.


Kate wore her Tod's Suede block heel pumps.

Tod's

In the afternoon, Kate changed into the £455 Russell and Bromley Half N Half Stretch Knee High Boots (with thanks to Middleton Maven).


Kate carried a suede clutch.


Sara swiftly noticed Kate's Cornelia James Clementine Gloves with Faux Fur Trim.

Cornelia James

This evening, The Duke and Duchess will attend an official dinner in their honour at the Royal Palace.