Kate compares Oslo with ‘freezing cold’ Scotland during school visit

The Duchess of Cambridge has compared the sub-zero temperatures in Oslo to her days as a student in “freezing cold” Scotland.

Kate, who is six months pregnant with her third child, made the admission as she and William went on an impromptu walkabout meeting Norwegian students at their high school.

Screams and shouts greeted their arrival at Hartvig Nissen School in Oslo where they were due to meet the stars of an innovative Norwegian drama.

When the pupil asked her about her schooling she said: “I went to a school called Marlborough College and then on to university which is where I met William, to St Andrews university in Scotland.

“Miles away, freezing cold. But I can’t complain about that being here. It’s much colder here.”

“I told her that her coat was burgundy and she said I had very good English,” said Mr Ondo.

“It was nice to see them in real life and nice to see they are such friendly people.”

His friend Mr Strande added: “We don’t know much about the royal people from England. It was good that they took the time to say hello and shake hands.”

Kate also asked some teens if they “have got exams coming up this summer? Good luck with everything.”

In the school William and Kate learnt about the popular series Skam, which attracted a legion of fans for its portrayal of issues including mental illness, homophobia and sexual assault.

Following on from the themes of the show, the characters started their own social media profiles to engage with the audience directly, creating an international following and fan base.

The royal couple met some of the stars and producers of Skam and chatted to students to learn about the effect the hard-hitting drama had on bringing issues they face into the open.

During their visit to the school, which was the location for teen drama Skam – Shame in English – William and Kate heard how the show, which was streamed daily on the internet, was so popular internationally that a remake is being made in the US.

Tarjei Sandvik Moe, who plays a character who comes out as gay and also has a mother suffering from mental problems, told William: “People from China, South Korea, France and Spain come to visit this school.”

William, who was taking part in a group discussion with students and actors accompanied by Crown Princess Mette-Marit, asked: “Does it feel that a lot of young people are afraid of the issues, and what you’ve done is brought it to life?”

Tarjei replied: “The issues are hard for people to take. We live in a society where people expect you to deal with problems on your own.”

Iman Meskini said she felt a strong identity with her character, who is torn between her Muslim faith and her desire to live the life of a normal Norwegian teenager.

The Duchess, who took part in another discussion with the Crown Prince, asked how the series – which was broadcast in real time, with school scenes streamed during the day, and party scenes released at night – had affected the school.

The Crown Prince added that the series, which was originally aimed at a teenage audience, had changed the way different generations interacted with each other, with parents and teachers watching the show, sometimes with their children.