Norway mourns King Harald as crowds gather at royal palace
Norway is mourning the death of King Harald, who passed away at age 89 after a 30-year reign. Crowds have gathered at the royal palace in Oslo to pay tribute to the monarch, known for his inclusive and reformist approach.
Why it matters
The death of a long-serving monarch marks a significant transition in Norwegian history and highlights the cultural impact of his public advocacy for inclusivity.
Norwegians gathered on Saturday (August 29, 2026) to say goodbye to King Harald in front of the royal palace, where he lies in state, with many well-wishers remembering his sense of inclusiveness and tolerance.
Europe’s oldest monarch, who emerged from the shadow of his well-loved, extrovert father to become a reformer during more than three decades on the throne, died on Friday (August 28) at the age of 89.
Late on Friday (August 28), thousands pressed the streets of Oslo under the pouring rain to watch the funeral cortege as it left Oslo University Hospital, where Harald passed away, to reach the royal palace.
At a later point, Norwegians will be able to pay their respects in front of his coffin inside the royal chapel.
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