OSLO, Norway (AP) — Tens of thousands of Norwegians lined up outside cathedrals and churches across the country Sunday for memorial services for the late King Harald V, who died at age 89. Harald died on Friday and his son immediately became the new King Haakon VIII. Since Harald’s death, the royal family and the country are officially in a state of mourning. Norway’s royal palace said Sunday night that the funeral will take place on Wednesday, September 9. Mourners expressed their grief over the weekend by laying flowers, writing cards and lighting candles in front of the royal palace in Oslo, where the coffin arrived Friday night from the hospital. “This Sunday is different. His Majesty King Harald has died. A family has lost their spouse, their father, their grandfather and their father-in-law,” said Dean Pål Kristian Balstad as he opened the funeral at Oslo Cathedral. This was reported by the Norwegian public broadcaster NRK. The royal family attended a service at Asker Church, southwest of Oslo. Some Norwegians decided to postpone celebrations such as weddings and baptisms until the mourning period has passed, NRK reported. Harald’s son, the new king, praised Harald on Saturday night. He expressed his grief over the death of his beloved father and promised to lead the country with the same dedication. “I’m going to miss him. I’m going to miss his laugh. His kind way of dealing with people and situations,” Haakon said in his first speech as the new king that was broadcast live on public television. Trying to hold back his tears, he swore to give everything for the country as king. “That means, in the ultimate sense, being willing to risk everything, including one’s own life, for the freedom and independence of Norway,” Haakon said. The new king adopted the motto “All for Norway,” which dates back to his great-grandfather. His wife became Queen Mette-Marit, while his eldest daughter, Ingrid Alexandra, became crown princess and heir to the throne. His tasks in the near future will include shoring up support for the monarchy following controversies over his wife’s past contacts with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his stepson’s rape conviction. Subscribe to Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the day’s biggest headlines. The monarchy of Norway traces its origins to King Harald Fairhair in the 9th century. When Norway regained its independence from Sweden in 1905, three-quarters of voters in a national plebiscite approved the restoration of the monarchy. Today, the role is largely symbolic, as power resides in an elected parliament, but the country’s royal family retains its celebrity status and role in promoting the wealthy nation around the world.
