According to NOS Nieuws, the Norwegian royal house has released details regarding the olive-green sarcophagus designed as the final resting place for the late King Harald. The vessel-shaped casket pays homage to Harald’s love for sailing and historical Viking burials, while incorporating the carbon-absorbing mineral olivine sourced from Queen Sonja’s favorite hiking region.
Vessel-Shaped Sarcophagus Reflects King Harald’s Sailing Legacy
Photographs released by the palace show an olijfgroene (olive-green) coffin shaped like a ship’s hull, according to NOS Nieuws. The design reflects King Harald’s passion for the sport of sailing. He spent considerable time on the water and represented Norway three times at the Olympic Games, as reported by NOS Nieuws.
Beyond his athletic career, the palace stated that the shape serves as a nod to traditional Norwegian Viking funerals. In those ancient customs, a ship carried the deceased on their final journey to the realm of the dead, according to NOS Nieuws.
Olivine Mineral Links the Sarcophagus to Queen Sonja
The construction material carries distinct geographical and symbolic weight. The sarcophagus is crafted from olivine, a mineral formed deep within the Earth’s crust millions of years ago that reached the surface through tectonic forces and erosion. The palace noted that these are the exact geological forces that shaped Norway’s mountains, fjords, and surrounding landscape.
Did you know? The olivine used for the casket was mined in the Sunnmøre region, an area where Queen Sonja frequently hikes. The design intends to unite the characteristics of both spouses, as the queen is also slated to be laid to rest in the sarcophagus eventually.
According to the palace, olivine naturally absorbs carbon dioxide. Officials view this property as a symbol of King Harald and Queen Sonja’s love for nature and their care for future generations, reported NOS Nieuws.
Placement in Akershus Castle and Historic Regalia Details
The sarcophagus rests inside the royal mausoleum at Akershus Castle outside Oslo. It joins the tombs of Harald’s parents and grandparents, including King Olav V, Crown Princess Märtha, King Haakon, and Queen Maud, according to NOS Nieuws.
Surface decorations feature depictions of Norwegian regalia, including the crown, scepter, and orb. Peridot, a gemstone found in the authentic crown, was used to create these miniature representations.
Funding for the project drew from a 1.85 million euro budget allocated in the royal budget the previous year. During those budget discussions, King Harald offered a lighthearted remark in parliament, stating he hoped the casket would be well-upholstered “to make the stay more pleasant – after all, we will be lying there for a while,” according to NOS Nieuws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is King Harald’s sarcophagus located?
According to NOS Nieuws, the sarcophagus is housed in the royal mausoleum at Akershus Castle outside Oslo, alongside previous generations of Norwegian monarchs.
What material is the sarcophagus made from?
The casket is carved from olivine, a mineral mined in Sunnmøre that absorbs carbon dioxide and reflects the natural landscape of Norway.
Will Queen Sonja be buried in the same sarcophagus?
Yes, according to NOS Nieuws, the dual-purpose design incorporates elements representing both spouses, and Queen Sonja is intended to be laid to rest there as well.
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