Royals Stir Norway Pride with Trip to Minnesota, Iowa

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Norway pride is bursting ahead of an extended U.S. visit beginning this week by King Harald V and Queen Sonja.

The royal couple starts it off Tuesday in Minnesota and includes a quick detour to Iowa. It's their first Midwest visit since 1995. They will also travel to New York.

From college campuses founded by Norwegian immigrants to a northern Minnesota park with ties to the country, anticipation has been building for the couple's appearances.

They'll lead receptions at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and make stops at Augsburg and St. Olaf colleges in southern Minnesota.

They plan a re-dedication of a memorial tower in Duluth and will headline formal events at the Minnesota governor's mansion and a Minneapolis hotel.