King Haakon declares period of mourning

King Haakon VIII of Norway has declared a period of mourning for the Norwegian royal court following the death of his father, King Harald.

Court mourning will last until 9 October, which is exactly one month from the date of the funeral.

According to the official statement, “The Royal House of Norway will cancel all official programs, with the exception of constitutional duties such as cabinet meetings, the official opening of the Storting and selected audiences. During the Royal House of Norway’s mourning period, the Royal Family and the Royal Court’s staff will wear dark clothing or uniforms with mourning bands. Public activities at the royal properties will be closed during the period.”

After the mourning period is over, the royals will gradually resume their official program. Engagements that were planned during the final days of King Harald’s reign have been cancelled and will be rescheduled.