Crown Princess Mette-Marit had a 16-year-old bag from Prada on the occasion of the state visit from Prada.

This week the stage is set for a state visit. Following an invitation from King Harald (87) and Queen Sonja (86), Moldovan President Maia Sandu (51) will visit Norway from 6 to 7 May.

As expected, she was received with an official welcome ceremony on Castle Square, and according to tradition, both the royal couple, Crown Prince Haakon (50) and Crown Princess Mette-Marit (50) were on hand to receive the guest in the best possible way.

For the occasion, the Crown Princess wore the same hat she wore during the state visit from Italy last year. Another favorite she had brought to the visit this week was the bag she carries under her arm in Slottsplassen.

A classic from Prada, which, according to the website UFO No More, she used for the first time 16 years ago. Specifically, February 29, 2008.

Brag from the expert

– A handy little clutch from one of the world’s hottest fashion houses right now. Mette-Marit has had the bag for many years. She used it for the first time in 2008, and has since used it on several occasions. She is good at recycling now, says fashion and beauty manager at KK, Ida Elise Eide Einarsdottir, to Se og Hør.

The expert further believes that the Crown Princess thereby sends an important and correct signal.

– It is also still relevant, and that is precisely the beauty of classics: They stand the test of time, she concludes.

The Crown Princess had also chosen a dark blazer and a creamy white skirt, as well as classic pumps. On her chest, she also had a brooch that we have seen before, for example when she opened the sailors’ church in Miami in 2011.

Strengthens the bonds

This is actually the first time a Moldovan president has visited Norway, and the state visit marks the strengthening of ties between Norway and Moldova in recent years.

The state visit also emphasizes Norwegian support and solidarity with Moldova. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has had major consequences for the country. According to kongehuset.no, the authorities have had to deal with a deep crisis for the economy, energy supply and national security. At the same time, Moldova has accepted a large number of refugees from the neighboring country and has also begun extensive reform work.

Within the framework of the Nansen programme, Norway contributes to handling the crises in Moldova, and supports the country’s democratic reforms and closer cooperation with the rest of Europe. Norway has also decided to open an embassy office in Moldova’s capital Chisinau to follow up the support and further strengthen connections.

Gala tonight

Such state visits differ from other official visits in that they contain fixed ceremonial elements, such as the aforementioned welcome ceremony, as well as wreath-laying, official meals and meetings between heads of state and delegations. They can also include political meetings, conferences, profiling of culture and business and visits to social and cultural institutions.

Tonight it is therefore also ready for a gala dinner at the Palace, where both the royal couple, the crown prince couple and Princess Astrid will be in place.

And already next week another stately state visit is on the way. Then Denmark’s new royal couple will come to Norway on their second state visit. Their very first one goes to Sweden this week.

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