Norwegian royalty visiting Ottawa Monday

_ (press release) _

  OTTAWA—Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will meet with Their Royal Highnesses The Crown Prince (
  **
   Haakon)
  **
  and The Crown Princess (
  **
   Mette-Marit)
  **
  of Norway, at Rideau Hall, on
  **
   Monday, November 7, 2016
  **
  .

Their Royal Highnesses will also travel to Toronto and to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, as part of their official visit to Canada from November 7 to 10, 2016. During their visit, they will participate in a number of events highlighting innovation, defence, trade, culture, the environment and the Arctic, with the objective of strengthening bilateral relations between Norway and Canada.

The following events will take place at Rideau Hall: ** 11:05 a.m. Welcome and Viewing of Ceremonial Tree Planted by Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja of the Kingdom of Norway ** Upon their arrival at Rideau Hall, Their Royal Highnesses will be joined by Their Excellencies to view the red oak tree planted by Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja of the Kingdom of Norway on May 8, 2002, during their State visit to Canada. The Norwegian community and members of the public are invited to join Their Royal Highnesses and Their Excellencies on this occasion.

The tradition of ceremonially planting a tree to mark visits by heads of State began over a century ago. Since that time, planting ceremonial trees has become a Canadian tradition during State visits, symbolizing the living friendship and co-operation of nations. _ Rideau Hall Grounds _ ** PHOTO OP ** ** 11:20 a.m. Meeting with Their Royal Highnesses ** Their Excellencies will meet with Their Royal Highnesses to discuss Canada-Norway relations. ** 11:45 a.m. Luncheon Discussion ** In an effort to promote even greater collaboration between both countries, Their Excellencies will host a luncheon in honour of Their Royal Highnesses’ visit, bringing together Canadians and Norwegians to discuss innovation, trade, education, Arctic co-operation, Indigenous communities, the arts and youth.