Norway mourns the passing of King Harald V, who died on Friday at the age of 89. On Sunday, the royal family gathered at the church in Asker for an official memorial service. King Haakon VIII, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Prince Sverre Magnus, and Queen Sonja were all in attendance.
When the limousine arrived shortly before the service began, Haakon appeared composed and smiled at those present. Ingrid Alexandra, Sverre Magnus, and Sonja, however, appeared visibly affected by the emotional day, according to t-online. One important member of the royal family was missing from the event: Queen Mette-Marit.
Mette-Marit Is Recovering After a Lung Transplant
The palace had announced her absence in advance. In an official statement, it explained:
“As previously announced, Her Majesty Queen Mette-Marit is recovering from her lung transplant in June and has limited opportunity to participate in official events. She will therefore not be present at Asker Church tomorrow.”
At the same time, it was announced that she is expected to attend further events related to the death of Harald V. The 53-year-old was still present at the funeral procession for her father-in-law on Friday evening.
King Haakon VIII Immediately Takes Center Stage
With the death of his father, Haakon automatically became Norway’s new king and has had a busy schedule ever since. On Friday, he attended the Council of State alongside his daughter, Ingrid Alexandra, followed by condolence visits the next day.
On Saturday evening, the 53-year-old addressed the public for the first time in a televised speech. He spoke personally about his father and the warmth with which Harald interacted with others. Ingrid Alexandra is also stepping further into the spotlight as she takes on a more prominent role as heir to the throne.
Haakon’s Emotional Words About His Father
In his first speech as king, Haakon remembered Harald above all as a devoted family man.
“Thank you for being such a good dad to Märtha and me,” Haakon said.
He also spoke about how deeply he would miss his father’s laughter. Harald, he said, treated people with warmth, cheerfulness, and respect and never discriminated against anyone. Children and young people were especially close to his heart.
In closing, Haakon thanked his family and the Norwegian people for their overwhelming outpouring of sympathy following the death of the longtime monarch.
How the Days of Mourning Continue in Norway
Church services for Harald V are currently being held throughout the country, including in all eleven of Norway’s cathedrals. In Oslo, many people are gathering in front of the Royal Palace to lay flowers and sign condolence books.
The late king’s closed casket is expected to lie in state in the palace chapel, allowing citizens to pay their final respects.
The funeral will take place on September 9 and will be held as a state funeral, including a procession to Oslo Cathedral. On Tuesday, Haakon VIII will also take the oath of allegiance to the Constitution in Parliament, with the ceremony set to be broadcast live on television.
