Norway's Queen Sonja, shown here in an official portrait with her husband of nearly 40 years, King Harald, celebrates her 70th birthday on July 4, 2007.
This is how many royal-watchers like to see the queen, in full gala attire like on this occasion two years ago when the Emperor and Empress of Japan made a state visit to Norway.
The job of being a queen isn't always glamorous, however. Queen Sonja (right), the Empress of Japan and Crown Prince Mette-Marit had to endure pouring rain during an official welcoming ceremony in Oslo.
Queen Sonja usually perfers to be prepared for all occasions, and a yellow rain hat has appeared frequently through the years.
Sometimes a hard hat is necessary. After 39 years as a member of Norway's royal family, the former commoner Sonja Haraldsen has proven to be a hard-working representative of the country. This photo was taken last month during an official visit to Finland, when Queen Sonja visited a Norwegian-owned shipyard.
A working stroll to meet ex-patriate Norwegians is also usually on the agenda when the royals make official overseas trips.
The job has its occasional light moments. King Harald and Queen Sonja shared a laugh during a state visit to Switzerland last year.
Queen Sonja has travelled far and wide during her years as a leading representative of Norway's royal family. Egypt was on her itinerary last year.
The queen donned the necessary headgear when visiting a mosque in Cairo, and she always makes efforts to adapt to local custom wherever she goes.
When at home in Norway, cold winter weather calls for warm clothing. Furs aren't as controversial in Norway as they are elsewhere.
Formal occasions occur regularly, as in February at the government's birthday dinner for King Harald when he turned 70. From left: King Harald, Queen Sonja, their son Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and the king's sister, Princess Astrid.
Queen Sonja is known to enjoy herself the most when hiking in the Norwegian mountains. This photo shows the Geirangerfjord in the background and the royal yacht Norge, but the queen also enjoys "roughing it," with no luxury in sight.
Skiing is another passion, and the queen is often spotted out skiing in the hills around Oslo during the winter. This photo, though, was taken at the royal family's lodge at Sikkilsdalseter in the mountains west of Gudbrandsdalen.
Queen Sonja is clearly proud of her family and has defended her son and daughter when they chose unconventional spouses. Here's the queen in traditional Norwegian dress last Christmas with daughter Princess Märtha Louise and granddaughters Maud Angelica and Leah Isadora.
The queen spends several weeks during the summer at the family's vacation home on the island of Tjøme. She's pictured here with son Crown Prince Haakon, his wife Crown Princess Mette-Marit and their children. Mette-Marit is holdig the next heir to the throne after Haakon, daughter Ingrid Alexandra.
The former Sonja Haraldsen didn't have an easy time being accepted as a member of the royal family, but most agree she's smart, hard-working and determined to do her best for Norway.
The queen was to start her birthday celebrations in Stavanger, and then take guests (royal and otherwise) on a cruise around southern Norway.
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