Norway mourns King Harald V with solemn procession to Royal Palace

Under a steady downpour, thousands of Norwegians gathered in Oslo to pay their respects to the beloved King Harald V. As dusk settled, his coffin was moved from the National Hospital to the Royal Palace, marking a somber moment for the nation.

Following the hearse carrying the King's body were the new King Haakon VIII, Queen Mette-Marit, and their children, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. King Harald's wife, Queen Sonja, and his elder daughter, Princess Märtha Louise, also joined the procession. Despite the rain, the streets were filled with citizens holding umbrellas and Norwegian flags, offering a final farewell to their monarch.

King Harald was deeply cherished by his people, and the inclement weather did little to dampen the public's sentiment. The palace square had been filling throughout the day with people laying flowers and observing moments of silence. A poignant message from first-graders read, "We will miss you."

The transition of power was marked by the ascension of Harald's son, who will now reign as Haakon VIII. At midday, the 53-year-old adopted the royal motto "Alt for Norge" (All for Norway), a phrase previously used by his father and grandfather. His wife, Mette-Marit, becomes Queen, while his mother, Sonja, retains her Queen title. Their daughter, Ingrid Alexandra, is now Crown Princess.

The news of King Harald's death reached the public early in the morning. The 89-year-old monarch passed away peacefully at the National Hospital. The succession proceeded smoothly, with Haakon VIII meeting members of the Norwegian government, who signed a condolence book and laid flowers.