Norwegian State Visit to Britain

A month after hosting the King and Queen of Denmark on their State Visit, the British Royal Family hosted their uncle and great-uncle, King Haakon VII of Norway, on his State Visit to the United Kingdom, which began on this day in 1951, 75 years ago!

King Haakon VII of Norway was welcomed by his nephew, the Duke of Gloucester, as he arrived in London on the Royal Yacht Norge. The two rode in the British Royal Barge to Westminster Pier, where the King was welcomed by Queen Elizabeth, Princess Elizabeth, Princess Margaret and the extended British Royal Family, as well as King Haakon’s granddaughter, Princess Astrid. Following the Official Welcome, the Royal Party rode in a Ceremonial Procession to Buckingham Palace, with Princess Elizabeth deputizing for an ill King George VI, who had an inflammation of the lung.

There are no pictures or footage from that evening’s State Banquet, but it is known that King Haakon visited his nephew, King George VI, in his private apartments before the Banquet, and the absent King’s speech was read by Princess Elizabeth (wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara and Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace), who said:

Your Majesty and your people showed the world that the fighting spirit of the Norsemen was still very much alive.

Britain was glad to have Norway with it as a firm ally as well as a friend.”

The following evening, Queen Elizabeth (wearing the Oriental Circlet Tiara), King Haakon and Princess Astrid (in the Vasa Tiara), and Princess Elizabeth (wearing the Nizam of Hyderabad Tiara) were pictured arriving at the Norwegian Embassy in London for a Return Banquet held by King Haakon VII.

During his State visit, the tall, seventy-eight-year-old King of Norway laid a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Warrior; had tea with Queen Mary at Marlborough House; was guest of honour at a banquet at Buckingham Palace; was present at the opening of the Royal Tournament, and entertained the Queen and other members of the Royal family at dinner at the Norwegian Embassy.

The final day of the State Visit began with the Trooping the Color Ceremony, when King Haakon and Princess Astrid joined the Royal Family on the Balcony of Buckingham Palace. Princess Elizabeth again deputized for the King, taking the salute of the Brigade of Grenadier Guards.

On June 7 King Haakon watched the ceremony of Trooping the Colour; was the guest of the Lord Mayor at a luncheon at Mansion House, and toured the South Bank Exhibition in the afternoon.