Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre called in his government on Friday for a special session in his office before they all headed to the Royal Palace for an extraordinary Council of State at 11:30am. The meetings follow the death of King Harald V early Friday morning.
“A whole nation is mourning,” stated Støre, “but at the same time stands together with a deep sense of gratitude for a long life in the service of Norway.” He was referring to the late King Harald’s life first as heir to the throne, followed by 35 years as monarch before his death at the age of 89.
“King Harald found the words to bind us together when we needed them the most,” Støre said. “He grieved with us after the (terrorist) attacks on the 22nd of July 2011. He cheered with us when Norwegian athletes excelled. And he guided us, with warmth, wisdom and openness, towards a society with a place for everyone. King Harald had a profound love for Norway. And Norway had a profound love for King Harald.”
After the government’s meeting with King Harald’s son and heir to the throne, Støre and his ministers will all sign a condolence protocol that also will be laid out at the palace. Church bells were then due to ring all over the country at noon. Flags have already been ordered lowered to half-mast at all public buildings both at home and abroad, and will remain so until after King Harald’s funeral.
No funeral date has been announced. Tradition calls for a funeral procession from the palace to the Oslo Cathedral, followed by another procession to the historic Akerhus Fortress and Castle. That’s where Norway’s kings and queens have traditionally been laid to rest in the royal mausoleum under the castle’s church that dates from the 1300s. That ceremony is usually private and reserved for royal family members and friends.
NewsinEnglish.no/Nina Berglund
