King Harald and Queen Sonja have officially arrived in Milan, the host city for this year's Winter Olympics, marking their first visit to the Games since the Sochi Olympics in 2014. On Saturday, the royal couple will watch the women's 3000-meter speed skating event, which has sparked excitement as Norway's potential gold medalist, Ragne Wiklund, is expected to compete strongly in this race. In comments to the press, King Harald expressed his anticipation for the Olympic experience, highlighting the significance of the Games for Norway.

Upon their arrival, the royal couple greeted key members of the Norwegian Olympic delegation, including the Secretary-General of the Norwegian Sports Federation and other sports officials. Their visit underscores the importance of royal support in promoting national pride and enthusiasm around Olympic participation, particularly as they aim to witness Norway's pursuit of its first medal at these Games. The royal family's presence serves to inspire athletes and fans alike, reinforcing the connection between the monarchy and the national sporting endeavor.

The schedule for the royal couple’s attendance at the Olympics includes watching both women’s and men’s speed skating events over the coming days. Their engagement in the Olympics reflects a long-standing tradition of royal involvement in sports, and their hope to see Norway secure its first gold medal serves as a motivating factor for the athletes, especially amidst heightened expectations from fans and the media here in Milan.