Following the death of King Harald, attention has turned to the Norwegian royal family, who have been showing their grief with unusual openness. King Haakon, Queen Mette-Marit, Queen Sonja, Ingrid Alexandra, and Sverre Magnus are pictured together in a photo shared on Instagram, standing by a window at the Royal Palace in Oslo.

From there, they look down at the people who have laid flowers, cards, and gifts in memory of the late monarch. The decision to share such a private family moment appears to be a quiet gesture of gratitude toward the Norwegian people.

Queen Sonja Kneels by the Palace Window

The photograph shows the family only from behind, yet it says a great deal about their closeness. Mette-Marit has her arm around Haakon, while all five stand close together, looking out over the palace forecourt.

Queen Sonja is particularly noticeable: She is kneeling on a stool to get a better view outside, joining her family as they take in the moving tribute left for King Harald.

The photograph offers a rare glimpse into the royal family’s private quarters. The image is more than simply a gesture of mourning; it also reflects how close the family wants to remain to the Norwegian people during this difficult moment.

A Sea of Flowers Outside the Palace for King Harald

What the royals see from the window is a deeply moving farewell. Outside the palace lies a sea of colorful flowers, alongside hand-painted pictures and countless personal messages. Despite the rain, many people have come to pay their final respects to King Harald.

On Monday afternoon, Haakon, Mette-Marit, Sonja, and Princess Märtha Louise appeared outside the palace themselves. Each held a red rose and placed it among the flowers. Afterwards, they read messages left by mourners and stood for a long time among the tributes honoring the late monarch.

Mette-Marit Thanks the People Gathered Outside the Palace

When the family stepped outside, the crowd fell completely silent. “Thank you very much,” Mette-Marit said, according to VG. Visibly moved, the royals approached the people who had gathered to pay their respects.

As they made their way back toward the palace, someone in the crowd called out, “Long live the King!” The words were followed by applause.

Haakon, Mette-Marit, Sonja, and Märtha Louise looked out at the crowd one last time and placed their hands over their hearts. The scenes offered a powerful reminder of the close bond between the Norwegian monarchy and its people, giving the public farewell an especially personal and emotional touch.

Haakon and Ingrid Alexandra Carry Harald’s Coffin

Inside the palace, the farewell continued in a solemn and dignified manner. Harald’s coffin was carried through several halls to the palace chapel, with King Haakon and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra leading the procession. They were followed by Prince Sverre Magnus, Princess Märtha Louise, Maud Angelica Behn, Leah Behn, Marius Borg Høiby, and Emma Tallulah Behn, while Queen Sonja and Queen Mette-Marit walked behind them.

The two queens walked side by side, holding hands—a poignant image that reflected the family’s grief and solidarity. It was also Mette-Marit’s first official engagement in her new role as queen.

The coffin is now lying in state in the palace chapel, where it will remain ahead of the state funeral.