A press release from Buckingham Palace at 12pm, Wednesday 21 September, reads:
"THE FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT IS ISSUED BY THE PRESS SECRETARY TO THE QUEEN
At the invitation of The Queen, Their Majesties The King and Queen of Norway will pay a Visit to the United Kingdom from October 25th to 27th 2005 to mark the Centenary of Norwegian independence from Sweden. Their Majesties will be accompanied by Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit and will all stay at Buckingham Palace.
Background
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh paid a State Visit to Norway in June 2001.
Their Majesties last paid a State Visit to the United Kingdom in July 1994 at the Palace of Holyroodhouse."
A press release from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs adds that Princess Astrid of Norway will participate in parts of the visit. In addition, the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Petroleum & Energy will also be part of the official party.