Norwegians Attend Memorial Services for Late King Harald V
Thousands gathered at cathedrals and churches across Norway for memorial services for King Harald V, while officials said the burial will occur in calendar week 37.
Norwegians lined up early Sunday at cathedrals and churches nationwide for memorial services honoring the late King Harald V, who died at age 89. Dean Pål Kristian Balstad opened the service at Oslo Cathedral, noting the loss to the royal family.
The royal family attended a separate service at Asker Church southwest of Oslo. Since the king’s death on Friday, tens of thousands have placed flowers, cards and candles in front of the royal palace, where his coffin arrived from the hospital.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre told public broadcaster NRK that the burial is planned for calendar week 37, though a specific date has not been set. The nation is in an official period of mourning, and some citizens have postponed weddings and baptisms until after the mourning period.
Harald’s son, Crown Prince Haakon, who succeeded him as King Haakon VIII, delivered a televised eulogy on Saturday, expressing personal grief and pledging to serve Norway with dedication. He referenced the historic royal motto “All for Norway.”
The monarchy, a symbolic institution since Norway’s 1905 independence, continues to play a public role despite past controversies involving members of the royal family.