Norwegian Royal couple to arrive in Orkney
Orkney is to play host to Royal visitors from Norway over the next few days, as Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit are due to arrive in the county to mark the 900th anniversary of the death of St Magnus.
The visit, during the opening weekend of the St Magnus Festival, celebrates Orkney’s longstanding relationship with Norway.
Tomorrow, Friday, the Royal couple are scheduled to pay their respects to Norwegian sailors and World War II soldiers buried at St Olaf Cemetery, near Kirkwall, as well as attend events at the town’s St Magnus Cathedral.
Saturday will see the crown prince and princess visit the Neolithic settlement at Skara Brae.
Leslie Burgher, Honorary Consul for Norway in Orkney, said: “It is in recognition of the importance that is attached to our shared history with Norway that their Royal Highnesses have agreed to come and mark the 900th anniversary of the martyrdom of St Magnus and it’s a huge honour for the Festival to host their visit.
“The trip has already created considerable interest in Norway and we look forward to giving our Royal visitors a flavour of Orkney’s produce, culture and history during their stay.”
The Crown Prince last visited Orkney in 2001. For the Crown Princess, this will be a first visit to the county. Orkney’s historical ties to Norway date back many centuries to when the islands were populated by Norwegians in the late 700s.
Norway’s National Day – 17 May – is celebrated here in Orkney annually and, at Christmas, a tree is delivered to Orkney as a gift from the region of Hordaland.