Royal Family Escorts King Harald's Coffin to the Palace

The solemn procession of King Harald's coffin from the National Hospital to the Royal Palace marked a significant moment of national mourning. On Friday evening, the coffin was carefully transported to the Red Salon at the Palace, accompanied by the grieving royal family.

His Majesty King Haakon, Her Majesty Queen Mette-Marit, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Queen Sonja, Prince Sverre Magnus, and Princess Märtha Louise were present, walking behind the coffin in a display of familial and royal solidarity. Despite heavy rain over Oslo, citizens began gathering along the route, braving the weather to pay their respects.

The coffin will be placed in the Palace Chapel, which will be open to the public for a period of defilement. This allows citizens to pass by the coffin and bid farewell to their late monarch. The royal crown, scepter, and orb will be placed upon the coffin during this time. Dates for these public viewings will be announced by the Royal House.

The Palace Chapel has historically served as a site for national farewells to members of the royal family, including King Haakon VII, Crown Princess Märtha, and King Olav V. Outside the Palace, thousands had already gathered on the Palace Square earlier in the afternoon, laying down flowers and awaiting the procession, with police estimating around 7,000 people present.