Formal audiences

A newly-appointed ambassador to Norway from another country must present his or her credentials to the King at a formal audience.

The new ambassador is collected and driven to the Royal Palace in one of the palace’s escort vehicles. At the palace the ambassador is greeted by a parade of His Majesty The King’s Guard and received by the King, who wears the gala uniform of the Norwegian Army.

At the audience the ambassador presents his or her credentials (in the form of Letters of Credence) to the King. When the King has accepted them the ambassador is formally accredited to Norway.

King Harald with the new ambassador from Botswana, Her Excellency Ms Chandapiwa Nteta, in 2021. Photo: Stian Lysberg Solum / NTB

Formal audiences last year

In 2023 King Harald received Letters of Credence from 32 ambassadors. They represented El Salvador, The Czech Republic, The United Arab Emirates, Moldova, Kuwait, China, Pakistan, The Maldives, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Slovenia, Georgia, Cyprus, Djibouti, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, The Gambia, Ecuador, Great Britain, The Vatican City State, Uganda, Algeria, Vietnam, Peru, Switzerland, Canada, Indonesia, Bahrain, Nepal, Angola, New Zealand and Guinea.

In addition, the Crown Prince Regent received four ambassadors representing Ireland, Bulgaria, Belgium and India.

Official programme

All audiences that are granted will appear in The Royal Family's official programme. Please follow the link to Official engagements for an overview.