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Lower-ranking representatives were sent to Oslo as the President went to Texas

President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance chose not to attend the state funeral of King Harald V of Norway in Oslo today, despite widespread expectation that the US President would be present alongside other world leaders.

Rather than travelling to the Norwegian capital, the US President headed to Texas, where he is scheduled to give the keynote speech at the opening session of the Republican National Committee Midterm Convention in Dallas this evening.

The decision to prioritise a domestic party political event over the funeral of a long-standing European monarch has drawn attention, particularly given the already strained ties between Washington and Oslo.

Many heads of state made the journey to Norway for the ceremony.

In Mr Trump's stead, Allison M. Hooker, the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, was dispatched to represent the United States at the ceremony.

Also present among the American contingent were Sandy Wiese, who chairs the board of Norway House, and Christina Carleton, the organisation's president, according to Norwegian outlet VG.

The level of representation marks a notable departure from historical precedent. When King Olav V was laid to rest in 1991, it was Vice President Dan Quayle who attended on behalf of the United States, a considerably more senior figure in the diplomatic hierarchy.

The downgrade in the rank of the US representative sent to Oslo is likely to be interpreted as a further signal of the cooling relationship between the two nations.

The President's fraught relationship with Norway has its roots in his failure to secure the Nobel Peace Prize last winter.

In a message to Norwegian Prime Minister Gahr Støre in January, reported by PBS News, Mr Trump wrote: "Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America."

Mr Trump appeared to hold the Norwegian Government responsible for the decision, despite the prize being selected by an independent five-member committee appointed by the country's Parliament rather than by ministers or officials.

His message also contained a threat to maintain an aggressive posture on Greenland, further straining relations with Nordic nations.

Prime Minister Støre responded firmly to Mr Trump's complaints at the time: "Norway's position on Greenland is clear. Greenland is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and Norway fully supports the Kingdom of Denmark on this matter."

On the Nobel question, Mr Støre added: "As regards the Nobel Peace Prize, I have clearly explained, including to President Trump what is well known: the prize is awarded by an independent Nobel Committee and not the Norwegian Government."

Despite the diplomatic tensions, Mr Trump did pay tribute to King Harald following his death: "Very sad to hear about the passing of King Harald of Norway — A strong, proud, and greatly respected man.

"He loved his Country, and was truly loved and respected by his people.

"Our hearts are with the Royal Family, and all of Norway, during this difficult time. A truly BIG loss!"