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As Heads of States, Queens and Kings are expected to remain strictly neutral on political matters. Royals are not able to vote or stand for an election, however, monarchs do have important ceremonial and formal roles in relation to the government. On Wednesday, King Harald of Norway was joined by his wife Queen Sonja and son Crown Prince Haakon as they performed the State Opening of the Norwegian parliament.

Like in Britain, the main event at the opening of Parliament is the speech from the monarch.

During this year’s speech King Harald, who is Queen Elizabeth II’s second cousin, addressed the political turbulence in the UK.

Commenting on Brexit, he said: “The United Kingdom, after all, will leave the EU and the EEA, with or without an agreement.

“The government has entered into agreements that guarantee Norwegian citizens and business as good and predictable solutions as possible if the UK leaves the EU without an agreement.

READ MORE: Norway royal family: King and Queen celebrate 50th wedding anniversary