Tens of thousands of Norwegians lined up on Sunday in front of cathedrals and churches across the country to attend memorial services for the late King Harald V, who died at the age of 89. Following the monarch's passing on Friday, his son immediately ascended to the throne as King Haakon VIII, and the nation has since entered an official state of mourning. The royal palace announced on Sunday evening that the funeral is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Throughout the weekend, mourners expressed their grief by laying flowers, writing cards, and lighting candles in front of the royal palace in Oslo, where the late king's coffin arrived late Friday from the hospital. During the opening of the funeral service at Oslo Cathedral, Dean Pål Kristian Balstad reflected on the loss, noting that the day felt different for the nation. “His Majesty King Harald is dead. A family has lost their spouse, father, grandfather, father-in-law,” Balstad said, as reported by the public broadcaster NRK. Members of the royal family also attended a separate service held at Asker Church, located southwest of Oslo. In a sign of the national mood, some Norwegians have chosen to postpone personal celebrations, such as weddings and baptisms, until the mourning period concludes.
King Haakon VIII delivered an emotional eulogy for his father on Saturday night. In his first speech as the new monarch, which was broadcast live on public television, he struggled to hold back tears while expressing his pain and promising to lead the country with dedication. “I’m going to miss him. I’ll miss his laughter. His good-natured way of dealing with people and situations,” the new king said. He vowed to give everything for the country, stating that this commitment includes being willing to risk his life for Norway’s freedom and independence. The new king has adopted the motto “All for Norway,” a phrase used by his great-grandfather. His wife has become Queen Mette-Marit, and his oldest child, Ingrid Alexandra, has become the crown princess and heir to the throne.
Looking ahead, King Haakon VIII faces the challenge of shoring up public support for the monarchy following recent controversies, including his wife’s past contacts with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his stepson’s rape conviction. The Norwegian monarchy, which traces its origins to King Harald Fairhair in the ninth century, was restored in 1905 following a national plebiscite where three-quarters of voters approved the move. While the role of the monarch is largely symbolic today, with actual power residing in an elected parliament, the royal family maintains significant celebrity status and plays an active role in promoting the nation globally.
