Royal couple take ride down memory lane on Norway trip
THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were taken on a surprise trip down memory lane in Norway yesterday as they were given a video tour of their favourite spots in St Andrews.
The Royal couple, who are on their first official visit to the country, reminisced over their old halls of residence, familiar streets and local café at the university where they met.
The Duke tried out the technology designed primarily for people with dementia during an event highlighting innovative start-up companies. As he sat on a hi-tech exercise bike, a video showed a ride around St Andrews, accompanied by a soundtrack of the Royal couple’s favourite songs.
As the Duchess looked on with Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-marit, the Duke soon spotted his room at St Salvator’s Hall, the student accommodation where he and his wife stayed in their first year.
“You’re bringing us down memory lane,” the Duchess exclaimed.
Jon Ingar Kjenes, the CEO of Motitech, said: “William was enthusiastic. He knew where we were filming and said ‘you’ve filmed my room’.”
During their first day in Oslo, the Duke and Duchess also took a walkabout to meet the Norwegian public, who turned out in their thousands.
Speaking last night at a reception, the Duke said: “Geography and history have made Norway and the United Kingdom not only North Sea neighbours, but the staunchest of allies.
“Thousands of people cross the North Sea in each direction every year. Friendship is the hallmark of what prompts them to make this journey.
“Catherine and I are delighted that we too have made that journey. We too have experienced the warmth of that friendship on this very special visit.”