The heir to the throne of Norway has taken on an important duty as his father, King Harald, remains in hospital in Malaysia where he’s being treated for an infection.

Crown Prince Haakon sent the official welcome to the new President of Finland, a message usually overseen by the country’s Head of State.

The Crown Prince had been acting as regent before his father was taken ill, usual procedure in Norway when the monarch is away.

King Harald had been on holiday in Malaysia when he was taken ill.

He was admitted to hospital with the royal court announcing his illness on February 27th 2024.

On March 1st, Crown Prince Haakon took on the duty of sending a welcome message to Finland’s new head of state. Messages had already been sent by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and King Frederik X of Denmark.

In his welcome to Alexander Stubb, the Crown Prince said ”On the occasion of your inauguration as President of the Republic of Finland, I have the pleasure of sending you my heartiest congratulations, and to convey my best wishes for yourself, and for the welfare and prosperity of the Finnish people.”

Around the same time, the royal court issued a fresh update on the health of King Harald, 87, which noted that he remained in hospital in Malaysia and would stay there for several more days as he continued to recover and rest.