Norwegian Ministers Lay Flowers at Royal Palace Following King's Death

Following the death of King Harald, Norwegian ministers gathered for an extraordinary cabinet meeting at the Royal Palace. Afterward, several ministers, including Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg and Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, paid their respects by laying flowers at the palace.

Across the country, the military is marking the period of mourning. A 21-gun salute is being fired from nine stations nationwide, with 30-second intervals between shots. The locations include Akershus Fortress in Oslo, Bergenhus Fortress in Bergen, and Vardøhus Fortress in Finnmark.

All military exercises, schools, and courses have been suspended for 48 hours from the announcement of the King's death. Additionally, church bells will ring nationwide between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to commemorate King Harald.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre is set to deliver a memorial speech at 1 p.m., followed by a press conference at 1:30 p.m. The King's flag is flying at half-mast from the palace balcony, adorned with a mourning band.

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His Majesty was a role model and a great inspiration to us all. The King was unifying, caring, and a wise regent who will be deeply missed.