Swedish royal court goes into mourning following King Harald’s death

The Swedish royal court has gone into mourning following the death of King Harald V of Norway.

In a statement, the Swedish royal court said, “Court mourning of the first degree will be provided at the royal court and the royal staff today, tomorrow and on the day of the funeral. Court mourning of the second degree (chamber mourning) is held from August 30 until the day before the funeral. The mourning period means that certain planned official programs for the royal family are cancelled during the mourning period. Cancelled programs are announced under “official programs” on kungahuset.se.”

In addition, flags at all royal palaces and buildings will be flown at half-mast today and tomorrow, as well as on the day of the funeral.

The Swedish and Norwegian royals are closely related. King Harald was a second cousin once removed of King Carl XVI Gustaf, and they were related through several lines. The Swedish king is also the godfather of the new King Haakon VIII.

The front page of the website of the Swedish royals is also dedicated to King Harald.

In a statement, King Carl XVI Gustaf said, “It is with great sadness that my family and I have received the news that our dear friend, King Harald, has passed away. King Harald’s life story is exceptional; after childhood hardships of war and exile, he was able to return to a free Norway with his family and follow the country’s fantastic development during the 20th century, and then succeed his father as King of Norway. Both as a head of state and a successful athlete, King Harald was an outstanding representative of his country. He gave “everything for Norway”. Throughout the years, the King has been a good friend to me, my family and to Sweden. King Harald is now mourned by many in our country. To Queen Sonja, my family and I today offer our deepest condolences. I wish my dear godson Haakon, who now succeeds his father as King of Norway, all happiness and success in his future work for our brotherly country and people.”