Queen Sonja Mourns After King Harald's Death as Throne and Titles Shift

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Queen Sonja Mourns After King Harald's Death as Throne and Titles Shift

Royals (2 / 1) 01.09.2026 23:08 / Tim


Procession, public mourning and an unexpected presence

On Aug. 31 the family led a ceremonial transfer of the late king's coffin from the Red Salon to the Palace Chapel, where he will lie in state until the Sept. 9 funeral. King Haakon and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra led the procession; Prince Sverre Magnus followed. Princess Märtha Louise and her daughters joined, and Marius Borg Høiby marched at the rear — a surprise because he is not a blood relative and is currently under house arrest after being found guilty of two counts of rape in June.

Private grief, public gratitude

Queen Sonja, Queen Mette-Marit and Princess Märtha Louise showed emotion as they greeted crowds in Palace Square, visibly moved while thanking mourners. King Haakon, in his first address, praised his father as a devoted parent and partner, closing with a touching line to his mother: "Happy wedding anniversary, dear Mum."