King Haakon VIII of Norway welcomed a special international guest to the Royal Palace in Oslo on October 20, receiving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for an important meeting amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring peace to Ukraine.
The royal engagement marked a significant moment for the Norwegian monarchy, as it was Zelenskyy's first meeting with Haakon since he ascended to the throne on August 28, 2026, following the death of his father, King Harald V.
© dpa picture alliancePhotographs shared by the Norwegian Royal House captured the two leaders exchanging a warm handshake inside the palace. King Haakon appeared in a classic navy suit, while Zelenskyy opted for his signature dark attire, reflecting the understated style he has maintained throughout the war.
The meeting took place in the Bird Room, one of the palace's historic interiors, where the monarch personally welcomed the Ukrainian leader.
A meaningful meeting at the Royal Palace:
Beyond the ceremonial welcome, the audience provided an opportunity to discuss Norway's continued support for Ukraine and the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict.
© NTBAccording to the Ukrainian presidency, Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to King Haakon, the Norwegian government, and the Norwegian people for their assistance throughout nearly five years of Russia's full-scale invasion.
The president highlighted that Norway's total assistance to Ukraine has reached $22.5 billion, emphasizing the country's important role in supporting Ukrainian communities.
© NTBOne particularly meaningful topic during the conversation was the effort to bring Ukrainian children back home. The two leaders discussed the return and reintegration of children taken from Ukraine during the war, as well as the humanitarian situation in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky.
Zelenskyy also acknowledged Norway's involvement in humanitarian assistance and expressed his hope that the cooperation would continue.
A royal connection that goes back years:
Although this was Zelenskyy's first audience with King Haakon as monarch, the Ukrainian president has visited the Norwegian Royal Palace on previous occasions.
© NTBThe Norwegian Royal House highlighted the longstanding relationship between Ukraine and the royal family, recalling that Ukraine's First Lady, Olena Zelenska, was received by the then-Crown Princess Mette-Marit in 2025.
The Ukrainian presidential couple also attended the funeral of King Harald V on September 9, 2026, joining international dignitaries in paying their respects to the late monarch.
© dpa picture allianceThe latest audience therefore represents another chapter in the relationship between Ukraine and Norway's royal family, now under King Haakon's reign.
An important diplomatic visit to Norway:
Zelenskyy's meeting with the King was part of a broader visit to Oslo, where Norway and Finland hosted discussions concerning the future of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president also met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, alongside U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Jared Kushner participated in the discussions remotely.
© Rune HellestadAccording to the Norwegian government, the talks focused on advancing diplomatic efforts toward a lasting peace, including questions surrounding Ukraine's security and future reconstruction.
While King Haakon's role is primarily ceremonial, his meeting with Zelenskyy offered a symbolic expression of the close relationship between Norway and Ukraine at a pivotal moment for European diplomacy.
