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Norwegians gather in cathedrals for King Harald V memorial services
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Norwegians gathered nationwide for memorial services honoring the late King Harald V, who died at age 89, with many expressing grief by laying flowers and lighting candles at the royal palace in Oslo.
- The funeral date has not been finalized, but Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre indicated it will occur in calendar week 37, approximately two weeks after Harald's death.
- King Harald's son, Haakon VIII, succeeded him and delivered an emotional eulogy pledging to lead Norway with dedication, adopting the motto “All for Norway.”
- Haakon’s immediate challenges include restoring support for the monarchy amid controversies involving his wife’s past associations and his stepson’s criminal conviction.
- Norway’s monarchy, with origins dating back to the ninth century, remains largely symbolic but continues to hold cultural significance and promote the nation internationally.
