Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre delivered a memorial speech for King Harald on Friday afternoon following the monarch’s death at Rikshospitalet at 6:35 a.m. at the age of 89. Støre opened the tribute by bowing and greeting before a photograph of the late king, stating that an entire nation was in grief and left in deep gratitude.
The Memorial Tribute and Public Mourning
During the speech, Støre highlighted King Harald’s lifelong dedication, noting that he was just three years old when World War II broke out and lived in the United States for nearly five years. According to Støre, the late monarch described himself as somewhat sjenert as a child, yet he lived an ordinary life that eventually led him to the throne. Mourners gathered on Slottsplassen to leave lights and flowers, where government ministers also placed a bouquet in the sea of flowers outside the palace.
Støre recalled the king’s historic nine-year wait and fight to marry Sonja, noting that their eventual marriage was a major victory for love that demonstrated his respect for tradition combined with the courage to lead the nation into a new time. The prime minister also referenced the monarch’s role as an anchor for the Norwegian people following the terrorist attacks on July 22, 2011, noting that the king was strong berørt and shared in the public’s sorrow.
Official Transition and New Titles
The Norwegian royal household updated its website with the names and titles of the royal family following an extraordinary statsråd at the palace on Friday morning. The government met with the new monarch, formally receiving notification of King Harald’s passing and the accession of the new sovereign. The updated titles include Hans Majestet Kong Haakon, Hennes Majestet Dronning Mette-Marit, Hennes Kongelige Høyhet Kronprinsesse Ingrid Alexandra, and Dronning Sonja.
Støre noted that Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra was present at the morning council meeting, an action he described as an expression of bringing her into the state council tradition where she is laid to be able to lead council sessions. Støre also shared that the king ringed and oriented about the passing on Friday morning.
Queen Sonja will retain her title as queen following a decision by the king, with Prime Minister Støre noting that at 89 years old she remains a resource for the royal house through her engagement with art, nature, and corners of Norway she has been in.
Evaluating the Succession
Addressing reporters at a press conference following the memorial speech, Støre reflected on his final meeting with King Harald in state council on August 7, just days before the king was hospitalized. While the late monarch showed signs of illness, Støre emphasized his unwavering commitment to fulfilling his duties for as long as his strength permitted.
Støre expressed strong confidence in the new sovereign, stating that he does not think it is possible to imagine someone more qualified, more experienced, more prepared than King Haakon. He noted that the new king had the crown prince with him and will find the way to be himself, balancing the function as the country’s king while having his own personality.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did King Harald pass away?
King Harald died on Friday morning at Rikshospitalet at 6:35 a.m. at the age of 89.
Who has assumed the throne following King Harald’s death?
King Haakon VIII has taken over the office, with Queen Mette-Marit, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and Queen Sonja comprising the newly updated royal titles.
What specific role did Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra play during the transition?
Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra attended the extraordinary council of state at the palace on Friday morning alongside the government and the new king, which Prime Minister Støre noted as an expression of bringing her into the state council tradition where she will be able to lead council sessions.