Norwegians line up at churches for emotional memorials remembering the late King Harald V

Oslo, Norway witnessed an outpouring of grief as Norwegians gathered in churches and cathedrals on Sunday to remember late King Harald V, who passed away at the age of 89. Dean Pål Kristian Balstad, opening the funeral service in Oslo Cathedral, expressed that this day held a particular significance as the country mourned the loss of a monarch who was both a father and grandfather to many.

The royal family, including King Haakon VIII, Queen Sonja, and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, attended the memorial service held in Asker Church. Since King Harald's death on Friday, thousands of Norwegians have shown their sorrow through acts of remembrance, such as laying flowers and lighting candles outside the royal palace.

The timing of the funeral has not been set, but Norway is currently in a period of national mourning. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced that the burial would take place in the "calendar week 37" of the following week, though no specific date was given. In his first public speech as king, Haakon expressed his sorrow over his father's death, remembering his laughter and good-natured demeanor, and pledged to serve Norway with the same dedication.

The new king adopted the motto "All for Norway," a phrase dating back to his great-grandfather, and his wife took on the title Queen Mette-Marit, while their eldest child, Ingrid Alexandra, became the crown princess and heir to the throne. Harald's reign, steeped in centuries of monarchy, will transition into a new chapter with Norway's monarchy retaining its traditional role while the power resides in an elected parliament.