Grief for Norwegian King: Florist Describes 'Touching' Public Support
Translated from German and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.
At a glance
- Following King Harald V's death, florist Charlotte Skogrand Bø notes an increase in customers buying flowers to honor the monarch.
- She describes the public's desire to show sympathy as 'beautiful' and 'touching,' highlighting the nation's unity in grief.
- The 89-year-old king passed away on Friday morning, with his son Haakon now succeeding him as king.
In the wake of King Harald V's passing, a palpable sense of grief has settled over Norway, with citizens flocking to florists to express their condolences. Charlotte Skogrand Bø, a florist at 'Floriss' near the Royal Palace in Oslo, described the surge in demand for flowers as a deeply moving experience.
It's very busy here. Many people want to show their sympathy, which is very beautiful and warm and touching.
"It's very busy here," she shared, her voice reflecting the somber mood. "Many people want to show their sympathy, which is very beautiful and warm and touching." Skogrand Bø and her colleagues have been working tirelessly, crafting bouquet after bouquet adorned with red silk ribbons, which are then placed by Norwegians on the Palace Square and other designated spots as tributes to their late monarch.
Reflecting on the King's legacy, Skogrand Bø spoke with emotion. "He was a beautiful soul," she said about King Harald, adding, "It is very sad." She expressed how profoundly moved she is by the way her country has come together during this period of mourning. "This love is really very, very beautiful," she added, her hand touching her heart.
He was a beautiful soul. It is very sad.
A new delivery of flowers is expected to arrive, ensuring that more Norwegians can pay their respects to the monarch. The 89-year-old King Harald V died in the hospital on Friday morning. His son, Haakon, has since ascended to the throne as the new King of Norway.
This love is really very, very beautiful.
Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.