Norway Mourns King Harald: Haakon VIII Leads Memorial Services

Norway bade a formal farewell to King Harald V on Sunday, August 30, two days after his death on Friday morning. Memorial services were held across the country as the nation entered a period of official mourning.

King Haakon at Asker Church

The new monarch, King Haakon VIII, aged 53, attended a memorial service at the church in Asker, southwest of Oslo, accompanied by his mother Queen Sonja, daughter Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and son Prince Sverre Magnus. His wife, Queen Mette-Marit, was absent due to health reasons — she received a lung transplant over the summer and continues to recover. According to the palace, she is expected to participate in some other events following Harald's death.

Hundreds of people lined up outside Oslo Cathedral from early morning to secure a place at the memorial service attended by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Tens of Thousands Mourn

Since Harald's death on Friday, tens of thousands of Norwegians have publicly expressed their grief. More than 20,000 people gathered at the Royal Palace on Friday alone, leaving flowers, candles, and personal messages at the gates. Harald's coffin was transferred from the university hospital to the palace on Friday evening.

Across Norway, flags fly at half-mast and condolence books have been opened in town halls. Some citizens even postponed weddings and christenings until after the national mourning period ends, according to public broadcaster NRK.

Haakon's First Address

On Saturday, Haakon VIII delivered his first televised address to the nation as king, paying tribute to his father and reminding the country of the values Harald had held dear. A date for the state funeral has not yet been announced.