Norwegians Honor King Harald as Crown Prince Becomes King

King Harald of Norway, Europe’s oldest monarch, passed away, prompting national mourning as flags were flown at half-mast across Norway. His funeral cortege traveled from Oslo University Hospital to the Royal Palace, drawing large crowds in Oslo.

Crown Prince Haakon automatically became king following his father's death, adhering to Norway’s constitutional monarchy. He is scheduled to address the nation in a televised speech on Saturday and will take an oath before parliament on Tuesday.

Norway abolished the coronation practice in 1908, so there will be no coronation ceremony. Mourners gathered along Oslo’s Karl Johan avenue, leaving flowers, cards, drawings, and Norwegian flags in tribute.

Veselina Vitanova, a 43-year-old teacher from Bulgaria, noted that King Harald helped immigrants feel accepted. Others recalled a significant 2016 speech by Harald that emphasized inclusivity.