World · India Bureau
Norway mourns King Harald V ahead of September 9 funeral
Tens of thousands of Norwegians gathered at cathedrals and churches across the country Sunday to pay their respects to the late King Harald V, who died Friday at age 89. The Norwegian royal family has announced the funeral will take place on September 9.
LSN India ·
Memorial services took place across Norway as the nation entered an official period of mourning following the death of King Harald V. The late monarch, who reigned for 62 years, passed away Friday, with his son immediately succeeding him as King Haakon VIII. The royal palace confirmed Sunday evening that funeral proceedings will be held on Wednesday, September 9.
Memorials have been established at multiple locations as Norwegians expressed their grief throughout the weekend. At the royal palace in Oslo, where the king's coffin arrived late Friday from the hospital, mourners left flowers, candles, and handwritten cards. The public outpouring of tributes reflected the deep connection many Norwegians felt toward their long-serving monarch.
Memorial services were held in Oslo Cathedral and other places of worship throughout the country. "This Sunday is different. His Majesty King Harald is dead. A family has lost their spouse, father, grandfather, father-in-law," Dean Pal Kristian Balstad said as he opened the funeral service in Oslo Cathedral. The royal family attended a separate service at Asker Church, located southwest of Oslo.
King Harald's death marked the end of a significant era for Norway's monarchy. During his tenure, he became one of Europe's longest-reigning monarchs and a widely respected figure both domestically and internationally.