Prince Haakon misplaces Portugal

Norway's Crown Prince Haakon caused a stir in his debut as royal host by placing Portugal on the Mediterranean Sea in a speech delivered in honour of that country's visiting president.

The 31-year-old prince was filling in for his father, King Harald, by hosting an official visit by Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio. For Haakon it was the first time he had hosted a state visit.

In his speech for the president, Haakon said: "Norway and Portugal lie at opposite ends of Europe. You are placed on the Mediterranean's warm beaches. We are as far north as it is possible to be."

Palace spokesman Sven G. Gjeruldsen apologized for the error. The spokesman told that the prince had meant to say that Portugal was far to the south, near the entrance to the Mediterranean.