Norway mourns King Harald V, citizens gather at palace to pay respects

Norwegians gathered at the Royal Palace in Oslo on August 29th to pay their final respects to King Harald V, who passed away on August 28th. The public paid tribute to the late monarch, remembering his legacy of diversity and tolerance.

King Harald V died early on August 28th at Oslo University Hospital. That evening, his coffin was escorted by a motorcade from the hospital back to the Royal Palace. Despite heavy rain, large crowds lined the streets to bid farewell to their king.

While the exact times for public viewing of the coffin have not yet been announced, it is expected that citizens will have the opportunity to pay their respects inside the palace chapel. The King's coffin will be placed on a catafalque adorned with royal wreaths and symbols of monarchy, topped by a crown, sword, scepter, and orb. It will remain in the chapel until the state funeral, the date for which has also not yet been announced.

Flags are flying at half-mast across Norway in mourning. Portraits of King Harald V, dressed in formal attire, are visible everywhere, from bus stops and subway stations to shops, offices, and public buildings, as the nation remembers its monarch.