Queen Sonja of Norway is mourning the loss of her husband, King Harald V, who passed away at the age of 89 on 28 August 2026, following a two-week hospitalisation due to a rare blood condition. The couple had been married for 58 years, with their wedding anniversary due to be celebrated the day after the King’s passing.
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Following King Harald’s death, his eldest son, Haakon, has ascended the throne as King Haakon VIII, with his wife, Mette-Marit, now holding the title of Queen Mette-Marit. The new monarchs have also adopted the formal titles of “His/Her Majesty”. In a significant shift within the royal family, their eldest child, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, now stands as the primary heir to the throne.
In the wake of this transition, Queen Sonja will continue to be referred to as Queen but will no longer carry the title “Her Majesty.” This change marks a poignant adjustment for the widow as she adjusts to her new role in the royal hierarchy following such a significant loss.
A ceremonial procession took place at the Royal Palace in Oslo on 31 August, where family members gathered to pay their respects as King Harald’s coffin was moved from the Red Salon to the Palace Chapel. The King will lie in state until his funeral, scheduled for 9 September. Leading the procession were the new King Haakon and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, followed closely by Prince Sverre Magnus, 20, the new monarch’s son.
Support from the royal family was evident, with King Haakon’s sister, Princess Märtha Louise, and her children joining in the mourning process. Notably, Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Queen Mette-Marit from a previous relationship, was present, drawing attention due to his recent legal issues. While not a blood relative of the late King, Høiby’s presence at the procession has raised eyebrows as he is currently under house arrest after being convicted of serious crimes.
Following the ceremonial procession, the family emerged to greet the mourners who had gathered at the Palace Square. The scene was marked by an outpouring of affection from the Norwegian public, with various tributes laid in memory of the late King. Queen Sonja and Princess Märtha Louise were visibly moved by the support, expressing their gratitude to those in attendance.
Tracing Queen Sonja’s roots, she was born in Oslo to a clothing merchant, a background that was initially considered problematic when she began dating Crown Prince Harald in 1959. Their relationship, which began in secrecy due to her commoner status, ultimately led to her becoming a cornerstone of the Norwegian monarchy. King Harald’s determination to marry Sonja overcame his father’s initial resistance, demonstrating a deep bond that would last through decades of partnership.
In his inaugural speech, King Haakon expressed heartfelt gratitude towards his father. He spoke warmly of King Harald’s role in his life and the love and guidance he provided to the family. The new King also paid tribute to his parents’ enduring marriage, becoming emotional as he wished Queen Sonja a happy anniversary, acknowledging the weight of their shared history on such a sorrowful day.
As Norway enters this new chapter under King Haakon VIII, the royal family is faced with the dual challenge of mourning their beloved patriarch while simultaneously embracing the future with grace and strength. The legacy of King Harald, characterised by his dedication, love, and light-hearted spirit, will undoubtedly continue to shape the identity of the Norwegian monarchy.