Norway entered a period of national mourning on Tuesday after the death of King Harald V, with public vigils, flower‑laying ceremonies and a state funeral scheduled for 9 September. The king’s coffin lay in the Slottskapellet, the royal chapel on the palace square, where citizens were allowed to pay their respects, according to NRK.
Public tributes and funeral preparations
Thousands of Norwegians lined up along Slottsplassen, the palace square, to lay wreaths and flowers in a solemn tribute, a scene captured by VG which noted the crowd’s gratitude with the words “Tusen takk”. The Norwegian public was given access to the chapel from Tuesday, with MPR News reporting that people queued for hours to see the casket.
Queen Sonja was seen openly weeping as she stood beside the coffin, a moment highlighted by People.com that described the queen’s grief as “heart‑breaking”. Queen Mette‑Marit, the king’s daughter‑in‑law, joined the procession that carried the coffin from the palace to the chapel, as reported by Audacy.
“Norwegians lined up for hours to lay flowers at the palace square, a testament to the king’s popularity,” said a witness quoted by MPR News.
The funeral arrangements, detailed by HOLA, include a military procession, a period of lying in state, and a church service in the Slottskapellet, after which the coffin will be moved to Oslo Cathedral for interment. The schedule was confirmed by multiple outlets, including Plataforma Media and Castanet, which both listed the 9 September date.
Transition to a new reign
Following the king’s death, Crown Prince Haakon assumed the title of king, delivering a brief tribute that emphasized continuity and service. The Bedford Gazette noted his remarks, and the European Times described the moment as the beginning of a “new reign”. The new monarch is expected to uphold the constitutional role his father embodied for three decades.
Despite the solemnity, the royal family’s public image remains complex. AppleValleyNewsNow.com highlighted ongoing scandals that have surrounded the household, while Türkiye Today reported that the king’s son, convicted of rape, was granted temporary release to attend the funeral, a decision that sparked debate.
Legacy of a ‘people’s king’
King Harald V, who ascended the throne in 1991, was widely regarded as a unifying figure. The European Times and thephilbiznews referred to him as Norway’s “People’s King”, noting his long-standing dedication to public service, his role in modernising the monarchy, and his popularity across the political spectrum.
International media have covered the mourning, underscoring the significance of the monarch’s death for Norway’s national identity. The combination of massive public turnout, emotional royal appearances, and meticulous state planning reflects both the personal affection Norwegians held for their king and the constitutional importance of a smooth succession.
