Sons of Norway lodges and members join the Norwegian-North American community and the people of Norway in mourning the passing of His Majesty King Harald V.
On August 28th at 6:35 a.m. King Harald V passed away at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet after being hospitalized for a rare blood illness. Harald V served as Norway’s king for 35 years and passed away just two days before his 58th wedding anniversary with Queen Sonja.
Like his father and grandfather, King Harald adopted the motto “Alt for Norge” – Everything for Norway. He became a king of the people known for his compassion and sense of humor. He was often called “all of Norway’s grandfather” – hele Norges bestefar.
Over the weekend, citizens gathered outside the palace on Slottsplassen (the palace plaza), laying an abundance of flowers, flags, and artwork in tribute to their beloved King.
Sunday, the Church of Norway invited people to attend memorial services all over Norway in the king’s memory. His Majesty King Haakon, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Queen Sonja and Prince Sverre Magnus attended the memorial service in Asker kirke (church). The service began with the psalm Jeg er i Herrens hender, (I am in the Hands of the Lord) and closed with Kongesangen (The Royal Anthem of Norway).
On Monday, King Haakon, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Prince Sverre Magnus and other royal family members carried the late King Harald’s coffin from Den røde salong (the red drawing room) to Slottskappellet – the chapel within the Royal Palace in Oslo, and were followed by dignitaries and palace staff. The King’s coffin will be available for viewing from Tuesday September 1 until one day before the burial ceremony.
King Harald will be laid to rest on September 9th in the Royal Mausoleum at Akershus Fortress, beside his parents and grandparents. His sarcophagus was designed by renowned architectural firm Snøhetta.
Ways to Pay Tribute
Here are some ways to pay tribute to the memory of King Harald V in your lodge:
- Fly Norwegian flags at half-staff (på halv stang)
- Leave a public message on the royal house website in the kondolanse protokoll – the register of condolences – and read the tributes written by people from all walks of life: https://www.kongehuset.no/nyheter/kondolanseprotokoll-kong-harald
- Send a letter of condolences addressed to:
Det kongelige hoff
Det kongelige slott
Postboks 1 Vika
0010 Oslo
Norway
- Post a tribute on your lodge’s social media or website
- King Harald was compassionate and service-minded
In that spirit, donate to or volunteer time for a cause you believe in - King Harald was a patron of organizations like the Sons of Norway Foundation. Celebrate his legacy by giving a gift in King Harald’s name
At the time of King Harald’s death, the Crown Prince became His Majesty King Haakon VIII. On August 29th, the new king gave a beautiful speech to the Norwegian people: