Kenneth Glad
Public ceremonies and private remembrance are unfolding across the country after a historic change at the Royal Palace. Further arrangements will become clearer as the national mourning period continues.
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King Harald V died peacefully at Rikshospitalet in Oslo at 6:35 a.m. this morning, the Norwegian Royal House announced. He was 89.
According to NRK, Harald had recently been hospitalized after treatment for hemolytic anemia led to fluid retention. His condition later worsened after a bacterial bloodstream infection.
Haakon became king at the moment of his father’s death because Norway’s constitutional system does not leave the throne vacant between monarchs.
The new king begins his duties
King Haakon VIII met the government at an extraordinary Council of State at the Royal Palace, where NRK reported that he confirmed his regnal name and retained the royal motto All for Norway.
Haakon became king automatically when Harald died. He did, however, still need to take the constitutional oath before the Storting, as Harald did four days after succeeding King Olav V in 1991.
Ingrid Alexandra has meanwhile become crown princess. As the adult royal next eligible to exercise the monarch’s constitutional powers when required, she must provide the written oath prescribed under Article 44. This situation has not occurred during a Norwegian accession in recent history.
The palace also became a visible symbol of both succession and mourning. The royal standard was raised again after the Council of State, while a standard with mourning crepe remained displayed from the balcony, according to NRK.
National mourning takes shape
The government has declared national mourning through the funeral, although everyday life will largely continue. State institutions are flying flags at half-staff, while municipal authorities have been encouraged to do the same.
The Church of Norway said bells would ring nationwide for an hour on Friday. Cathedrals and other churches have opened for candle lighting, quiet remembrance and condolence books.
Members of the public will also be able to pay their respects to Harald’s coffin in the Royal Palace chapel. The funeral day will not automatically be a public holiday.
A funeral date has not yet been announced. When King Olav V died in 1991, his funeral was held at Oslo Cathedral, followed by a procession to Akershus Fortress, where he was laid to rest in the Royal Mausoleum.
Sources: NRK, Norwegian Royal House
