Following King Harald's death in August, Norway's royal family underwent a major reshuffle. His son Haakon ascended the throne, while Princess Ingrid Alexandra became the new crown princess. However, another significant change affected Queen Sonja.

Although the 89-year-old retained her title of Queen, she lost the formal style "Her Majesty," which she had held since Harald became king in 1991.

Sonja is also no longer listed among the core members of the Royal House. Instead, she now appears under the broader royal family category. And the palace has revealed who was behind the decision.

King Haakon Made the Decision About His Mother's Royal Status

According to Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten, the palace confirmed that King Haakon himself approved the change.

Palace communications director Guri Varpe explained that the new monarch was continuing the family's tradition of limiting the use of formal royal styles.

Under the protocol, the styles "His Majesty," "Her Majesty," and "Her Royal Highness" are reserved for members of the Royal House. Other relatives are referred to by their individual titles, such as Queen, Prince, or Princess.

However, there is an interesting exception. Internationally, Sonja may still be addressed as "Her Majesty Queen Sonja," while Prince Sverre Magnus and Princess Märtha Louise may use the style "Your Highness."

Queen Sonja Is No Longer Part of the Core Royal House

The changes are also reflected on the Norwegian royal family's official website.

King Haakon, Queen Mette-Marit, and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra are now listed as members of the Royal House.

Queen Sonja, meanwhile, appears alongside Prince Sverre Magnus and Princess Märtha Louise in the broader royal family category.

According to the palace, the Royal House generally includes the reigning monarch, their spouse, and the direct heirs to the throne from the next generation, along with their spouses.

Queen Sonja Continues Her Royal Duties Despite the Change

Despite her new status, Queen Sonja has not stepped away from public life.

On October 13, she visited the National Archives in Oslo, where she viewed tributes dedicated to her late husband.

The Queen also has another engagement scheduled for later in October.

Her continued public appearances have attracted attention, particularly because the new protocol distinguishes between members of the Royal House and other royal relatives.

The "Queen Mother" Title Sparks Further Confusion

Sonja's changing status has also raised questions about how she should be addressed.

Following King Harald's death, the palace began using the Norwegian designation kongemoren, meaning "the king's mother," in references to Sonja.

However, the terminology has reportedly prompted debate over how it should be interpreted and translated.

Royal historian Trond Norén Isaksen has also weighed in on the wording, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between a queen's formal title and her relationship to the reigning monarch.

While Sonja remains Queen, the changes mark a new chapter for Norway's monarchy under King Haakon VIII.