Photo: Sven Gjeruldsen / The Royal Court

The heir to the throne of Norway will take a leading part in the State Visit to his country by the President of Italy.

Crown Prince Haakon has had to step in after his father, King Harald, was admitted to hospital with an infection which will see him remain an inpatient for several more days.

The Crown Prince has already assumed the regency of Norway and will now host the State Visit alongside his mother, Queen Sonja.

King Harald, who is 86, was admitted to hospital in Oslo earlier this week and was expected to remain there for several days. On the morning of May 10th, just 24 hours before the State Visit was due to start, the Royal Court confirmed that The King would not be well enough to return home for several more days.

The President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, and his daughter, Laura, arrive in Oslo on May 11th and will be given an official welcome by Crown Prince Haakon and Queen Sonja. They will go on to lay wreaths at the National Monument at Akerhus Fortress before an afternoon of engagements including a visit to the National Museum in Oslo. In the evening, the Crown Prince and Queen Sonja will host the State Banquet in honour of their guests. They will be joined by Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Princess Astrid.

The Crown Prince and Princess will accompany President Mattarella on day two of his visit when their engagements include a trip to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim where Norwegian kings are traditionally enthroned.

The State Visit from Italy to Norway is on May 11th and May 12th 2023.