World
Norway mourns King Harald as Haakon VIII ascends throne
Mourners gathered outside the palace as royals, politicians, and citizens remembered a beloved monarch. His son has adopted the family motto 'all for Norway' upon his ascension.
Published 28 Aug, 19:40 · Pearl Hundred newsroom
A crowd of individuals gathered, with two women embracing, positioned in front of a display of flowers and flags arranged on the ground, all against the backdrop of a statue at Oslo's royal palace.
Norwegian citizens are mourning the passing of their beloved monarch, King Harald V, as the nation enters a period of official mourning and his son, Haakon VIII, ascends to the throne.
Following the announcement of Harald's death early on Friday, numerous people congregated at the royal palace in Oslo, placing flowers and national flags, with some mourners visibly shedding tears.
The newly enthroned 53-year-old king conducted an extraordinary council of state meeting with government officials, declaring his intention to adopt the royal family's motto, which states, "All for Norway."
Harald, who had reigned for 35 years, passed away in hospital at 06:35 local time (04:35 GMT) at the age of 89, after receiving treatment for an uncommon blood condition. His casket was subsequently transported to the palace during a public procession.
Among the tributes left outside the palace was a candle inscribed with the word "thanks."
Norway's public broadcaster reported that approximately 10,000 individuals lined the streets of the capital to witness the procession of the late king.
The deceased monarch has been characterized as a "people's king" – inclusive, transparent, and empathetic – who played a key role in modernizing the Norwegian monarchy.
European royalty, including King Charles III, whose mother Queen Elizabeth II was a second cousin to Harald, alongside political figures and ordinary citizens, paid tribute to his dedicated service and the stability he brought to the nation.
Norway's Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, who laid flowers outside the palace and signed a book of condolences after greeting the new king, remarked that the country was "united in grief and gratitude."
In a televised eulogy, one of several delivered by ministers, he stated that the late king's "legacy lives on" and extended his sympathies to the royal family and Queen Sonja, who would have marked her 58th wedding anniversary with Harald the following day, Saturday.
Støre was accompanied by cabinet members and a gathering of citizens expressing their sorrow outside the palace.
Norwegian football star Erling Haaland expressed his gratitude to Harald on Instagram for "everything you meant to Norway," adding that meeting him at the palace earlier in the summer after the Fifa World Cup had been an honour.
In the nation's capital, Norwegians conveyed their sorrow and affection for the recently deceased king.
Biteya Terfassa, an Oslo resident originally from Ethiopia, informed the Reuters news agency outside the palace that, in her personal view, he represented everything to them, particularly as an immigrant.
She added that he made them feel at home and cherished, likening him to a grandfather she had never had.
Norwegians have been placing tributes and remembering the departed King Harald V since his passing.
At noon, the Norwegian Armed Forces honoured Harald with a 21-gun funeral salute fired from Akershus Fortress in central Oslo.
Written and edited by the Pearl Hundred newsroom.