Princess Mette-Marit of Norway opted for sombre tones as she met the president of Finland and the first lady today.
The Crown princess and her husband Prince Haakon, both 51, welcomed the president of Finland, Alexander Stubb and his wife Suzanne Innes-Stubb to the royal palace in Oslo.
The Princess opted for a stylish black midi dress, as she ignored the scandal surrounding her son Marius Borg Høiby.
Princess Mette-Maritt’s son from a previous relationship, often referred to as the ‘black sheep’ of the Norwegian royal family was first arrested at the beginning of August, after a woman was left in hospital with injuries following an attack.
The following month he was arrested once again, for allegedly violating an imposed restraining order. He was said to have been released the following day.
Princess Mette-Marit of Norway (right) and the wife of Finland’s president, Suzanne Innes-Stubb (left), have both stepped out looking chic today
The Crown princess and her husband Prince Haakon (front-left), both 51, welcomed the president of Finland, Alexander Stubb (front-right) and his wife Suzanne Innes-Stubb to the royal palace in Oslo
Despite this, the royal couple appeared in calm spirits and focused on duty as they presided over the official Finnish state visit today.
While the future monarchs and their esteemed guests focused on the ceremony ahead, it was the women’s outfits that commanded attention – particularly their almost identical colour palettes.
The Crown Princess looked incredibly chic in a long-sleeved black dress, a style which served to cinch her petite waist.
Accompanying the look were weather-appropriate accessories, including flesh-coloured tights and a pair of dark brown leather gloves. She paired the look with black high-heeled pumps and what appeared to be a black beret.
Her choice of drop-down diamond earrings and a silver bracelet were the perfect accompanists for the pared back look.
Her luscious blonde locks were swept backward by the wind, and for her make-up, she donned only a light contour and a pink lip.
British-Finnish attorney Suzanne Innes-Stubb, 54, mirrored the princess’s impeccable style by opting for a navy blue ensemble, also cinched at the waist.
The shell-like material featured a large belt which she tied at the centre, and appeared to form part of a midi dress or separate skirt.
The Princess stunned in a black midi dress, while the Prince donned a a black dress uniform decorated with various medals
Suzanne and Mette-Marit’s outfits commanded attention – particularly their almost identical colour palettes
British-Finnish attorney Suzanne Innes-Stubb, 54, mirrored the princess’s impeccable style by opting for a navy blue ensemble, also cinched at the waist
Their similarities continued on, as she also donned a pair of black suede pumps and styled her smooth brunette hair in natural waves.
Both the ladies appeared in high spirits and shared dazzling smiles as they greeted all in attendance at the engagement.
Crown Prince Haakon looked at ease in a black dress uniform decorated with various medals, while Finland‘s president looked suave in a double-breasted blazer suit and black leather gloves.
During the state visit, the group met with the mayor of Oslo Anne Lindboe and spent time at the Language Centre in Oslo.
Earlier in the day King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway also spent time with the president.
A stunning image shot at the royal castle shows the moment the monarchs, including Princess Astrid, met with both Alexander and Suzanne.
During the state visit, the group spent time at the Language Centre in Oslo
The stylish pair were also spotted chatting with the mayor of Oslo, Anne Lindboe (far right)
The news comes as Crown Princess Mette-Maritt was spotted cheering on a children’s football game – embarking on her first royal tour since her son Marius’ arrest.
She was snapped enthusiastically throwing her hands in the air as she discussed the match with Haakon, intently watching the players.
Mette-Marit donned a waterproof red jacket to wrap up warm in the 10-degree weather in the region today. The Princess paired her sporty look with baggy navy blue trousers and a pair of white trainers.
Mette-Marit was also snapped getting involved in the games at the school, tossing what appeared to be frisbee around in the rain.
The group then sheltered in a building where they tucked into some snacks and beverages while conversing.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit accompanies her mother-in-law Queen Sonja (right) during the state visit
The pair were met by crowds of young royal fans waving the Norwegian flag as they arrived at the school.
The engagement comes after Princess Mette-Marit’s son Marius – whom she shares with a previous partner – sensationally admitted to assaulting his ‘girlfriend’ ‘after an argument’ while ‘intoxicated with cocaine and alcohol’ in a statement last month.
He currently faces preliminary charges of bodily harm and criminal damage and could face up to a year in prison.
Ahead of Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett tying the knot, the Norwegian Palace had confirmed that Borg Høiby would also not attend the nation’s wedding of the year.
Borg Høiby issued a statement in September saying sorry for attacking his ‘girlfriend’, citing his mental health diagnosis.
Crown Prince Haakon looked at ease in a black dress uniform decorated with various medals, while Finland ‘s president looked suave in a double-breasted blazer suit and black leather gloves
Earlier in the day King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway also spent time with Finland’s president (Pictured left to right: Princess Astrid, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Crown Prince Haakon, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and his wife Suzanne, King Harald V and Queen Sonja)
Norwegian tabloid VG has since published what it claimed were clips from two phone calls between the 27-year-old and his victim after the violent episode and vandalism in an apartment in Oslo on the night of August 4.
During the conversation, former motorcycle mechanic Borg Høiby reportedly defended his assault as a ‘little pat on the back…hit you with a flat hand’.
But the woman allegedly replies that he hit her a hundred times and strangled her at least five times until she struggled to breathe, according to the Norwegian report after it was translated into English.
Borg Høiby also reportedly threatened to burn the victim’s belongings in a bin if she didn’t collect them from Skaugum Castle, his family’s official residence, by a certain time.
27-year-old Marius Borg Høiby (pictured in Pisa), the stepson of the future King of Norway, sensationally admitted to assaulting his ‘girlfriend’ ‘after an argument’ while ‘intoxicated with cocaine and alcohol’ in a statement in August, which rocked the Nordic nation
Elsewhere in the calls, which were said to have taken place before Borg Høiby was arrested by the police at 4.10pm, the Prince’s stepson allegedly mentioned a third person, claiming they are scared ‘because I’m going to kill him’.
The individual isn’t named by VG, but the publication does state that they are known to both Borg Høiby and his ‘girlfriend’.
The audio is reportedly part of the police investigation against the 27-year-old, who was arrested and placed in police custody for 30 hours, according to local reports.
He has been accused of causing bodily harm and injuring a woman with whom he was having a relationship.
