Crown Prince Haakon's boat party

Norway's Crown Prince Haakon and his wife Crown Princess Mette-Marit are to attend a boat party in honour of the Norwegian foreign minister Jonas Gare Store's 50th birthday tomorrow evening (28.08.10)

Norway's Crown Prince Haakon is to attend a boat party for the country's foreign minister's birthday this weekend.

The prince - who is heir apparent to the Norwegian throne - is to attend the celebration of Jonas Gare Store's 50th birthday with his wife Crown Princess Mette-Marit tomorrow evening (28.08.10).

Jonas and his wife Marit Slagsvold have been close friends of the royal couple since 2001, and the foursome spent part of their summer holiday this year hiking together.

While the group first became friends when the foreign minister wasn't working in politics, their close attachment has since been put under scrutiny, as the crown couple are supposed to remain uninvolved with all goings on of a political nature in Norway.

He explained: "Both the crown couple and I are very conscious of our roles. It's an honourable issue for anyone wanting to criticise that, but it's also an honourable issue to stand by your friends."

The foreign minister also celebrated his birthday on Wednesday (25.08.10) with his colleagues and employees in the Norwegian foreign ministry.