Over 46,000 Norwegians bid farewell to King Harald

Over 46,000 Norwegians bid farewell to their beloved King Harald, including members of his family, in the Palace Chapel. 

For most people, seeing King Harald’s coffin transferred from the Red Salon to the Palace Chapel last week was an emotional sight. The late King of Norway reigned for 35 years and had earned the love of his subjects and many around the world. The queue to file past King Harald’s coffin opened to the public on 1st September, and yesterday, Tuesday 8th September, at 7 pm, was the last opportunity for those who wanted to pay their final respects.

The Palace released emotional photos of Harald’s widow, Queen Sonja, and his sister, Princess Astrid, who had their own moment alone to say a private goodbye.

According to the royal court, the total number of visitors to the Palace Chapel was more than 46,000. In addition to the Chapel being open to everyone, the royal family, representatives of Norway, the Diplomatic Corps, the Armed Forces and many others have also had the chance to say a final farewell.

Norway will gather later this afternoon to lay their beloved King Harald to rest. Many of the world’s royal families arrived yesterday evening, including King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, King Abdullah and Queen Rania of Jordan, Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein, and Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko of Japan.

Those who were unable to visit the Chapel during the lying-in-state can watch King Harald’s funeral procession from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral and then towards Akershus Fortress. A large screen will be erected in Slottsparken where the public can watch an NRK live broadcast from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. The screen will be located between Parkveien and Wergelandsveien. Entry via the roundabout at the House of Literature or at Holberggangen from Wergelandsveien opened at 6:00 am.

King Haakon and Queen Mette-Marit, with Queen Sonja, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and Prince Sverre Magnus, will greet members of the public from the Royal Palace balcony at 4:45 pm this afternoon. Although barriers will be set up around central parts of Oslo, they will be removed around 4:30 pm to allow the public access to the Palace Square.