Queen Mathilde of Belgium and Queen Sonja of Norway put on an extravagant display of royal jewellery on Tuesday night with a double tiara appearance.
Norway’s King Harald and Queen Sonja hosted Mathilde and King Philippe for a glittering state banquet with 184 guests at the Royal Palace in Oslo, as part of the Belgian royals’ three-day state visit to the country. The visit intends to showcase and strengthen the good relationship between the two nations.
During the banquet, both Kings gave speeches, with Harald even referencing their “dear Crown Princess”, who made a surprise appearance earlier in the day.
Crown Princess Mette Maritwas added to the official programme at the last minute, marking her first official engagement in two months. She attended a gift exchange and audience in the Bird Room inside the palace, though the Palace said previously she would not be taking part due to her health.
Princess Mette-Marit speaks out on Epstein
Mette-Marit, 52, who was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, finally broke her silence about her friendship with Jeffrey Epstein in an interview last week. However, the royals put on a united display on Tuesday, and the Princess was presented with a gift by the guests.
See below for the best photos from the banquet…
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King Philippe, Queen Mathilde, Queen Sonja and King Harald posed for a family picture before the banquet.
They were also joined by Crown Prince Haakon, but not Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who had made a surprise appearance earlier in the day.
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Queen Mathilde wore the Nine Provinces Tiara, one of the most prestigious tiaras in the Belgian royal collection.
In fact, the precious heirloom has an important connection to their hosts, as it was once a gift to Princess Astria, the aunt of King Harald. The 100-year-old piece features a meander bandeau topped with diamonds.
Mathilde, 53, looked as stylish as ever and re-wore an Armani gold lace dress from 2019, when she attended the enthronement gala of Emperor Naruhito of Japan.
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Queen Sonja, 88, meanwhile, wore Queen Maud’s Peral Tiara and her Drapers’ Company brooch, the order of Leopold and the royal family order of King Harald.
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King Harald, 89, who has faced health struggles in recent months and was recently hospitalised on a holiday to Tenerife, was seen using crutches on arrival.
Giving a speech at the meal, he said: “I know that our dear Crown Princess would have wished to be with us tonight. Unfortunately, she is unable to attend due to her health situation.”
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The official state visit began on Tuesday as Crown Prince Haakon received the royal couple at Oslo Airport, before a welcome ceremony in the Royal Palace and wreath laying at the Akershus Fortress. The visit will conclude on Thursday.