Overview
- King Harald V died on Friday, Aug. 28 at Rikshospitalet at age 89 and the crown passed immediately to his son, who is now King Haakon VIII.
- The royal household announced a state funeral for Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 13:00 in Oslo Cathedral with a family service in the palace chapel followed by a public procession to the cathedral.
- Harald’s coffin will be moved into the palace chapel on Aug. 31 and the public may pay respects at a guarded lying‑in‑state that opens on Tuesday, Sept. 1.
- King Haakon has already begun official duties and will take the constitutional oath before Parliament on Tuesday, Sept. 1, completing the formal succession steps.
- Nationwide memorial services drew very large crowds and long queues — police said about 500 people could not enter the Asker church — and Queen Mette‑Marit, recovering from a June lung transplant, missed the Asker service but is expected at some upcoming events while foreign dignitaries have signaled attendance.