The Meaning of the Crown Regalia at the King's Death

The crown and the sword placed on King Harald V's coffin in the Palace Chapel are not decorative details. They form part of a carefully prescribed royal ritual.

The word regalia comes from the Latin word rex, meaning “that which is worthy of a king.” Norway's crown regalia symbolize the king's power and dignity, as well as the monarchy as a state institution. The royal scepter represents worldly authority. Made by goldsmith Erik Adolf Zethelius in 1818, the 75-centimeter scepter consists of gilded silver and features small roses, oak leaves and laurel leaves.

“Rituals are things that must be done in the right way, at the right time and in the right place. That is why it is very important that what is done at the king's death is done correctly,” researcher Øystein Ekroll of the Nidaros Cathedral Restoration Workshop told NTB.

Preparations for the royal funeral have spread across Oslo. A canopy and steps are being built at Oslo Cathedral, where the funeral ceremony will take place, while a two-level platform is being constructed in the square for Norwegian and international media. Some 650 journalists from 19 countries have applied to cover the funeral.

Prince William, representing King Charles, will attend on Wednesday, and Princess Anne will attend as a private guest. Anne is King Haakon's godmother. A long list of royals and heads of state is expected at the funeral, while members of the public have also queued to pay their respects.

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Rituals are things that must be done in the right way, at the right time and in the right place. That is why it is very important that what is done at the king's death is done correctly.