Scanpix pictures from
www.aftenposten.no
1. King Harald and Queen Sonja are in Asia for official state visits to Singapore and Vietnam.When the couple arrived in Singapore late last week, Queen Sonja was presented with orchids and later had a new variety named after her.
2. It was pouring rain when Queen Sonja and King Harald first arrived in Singapore last Thursday. Members of the welcoming committee held up an umbrella for the queen.
3. It was plenty dry once inside a local reception hall, where Singapore's president, SR Nathan, and his wife officially welcomed Queen Sonja and King Harald.
4. When the king headed for a tour of Singapore's famous port, the queen visited the Asian Civilization Museum, followed by lunch at the famous Raffles Hotel. The couple also had a large delegation representing Norwegian business with them on the trip, and used the opportunity to market Norwegian goods and services.
5. The royals rode in a golf cart to shade them from the hot sun while visiting Singapore's botanical gardens.
6. Queen Sonja was hostess at a dinner for Singapore's presidential pair Friday night.
7. There's a fairly large Norwegian community in Singapore, and local children turned out in national costumes to greet their royal couple just before the state visit to Singapore ended.
8. The king and queen got a day off on Saturday, and went sailing off Singapore before traveling on to Vietnam on Sunday.
9. Norway's royal pair were officially welcomed to Vietnam on Monday, and more bouquets were presented to Queen Sonja.
10. Queen Sonja appeared radiant, despite the heat and humidity.