Queen Mette-Marit Participates in Procession for Late King Harald V

POLICY WIRE — Oslo, Norway — The coffin of the late King Harald V of Norway was transported to the Palace Chapel on Monday. Queen Mette-Marit participated in the procession, marking her first official appearance since becoming queen.

King Harald V passed away on Friday at the age of 89. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, ascended to the throne as King Haakon VIII, while his wife became Queen Mette-Marit. Their oldest child, Ingrid Alexandra, is now the crown princess and heir to the throne.

King Haakon VIII, aged 53, will swear the oath to Norway’s constitution on Tuesday. His immediate challenges include addressing controversies surrounding his wife’s past associations and his stepson’s legal issues.

Queen Mette-Marit, who underwent a lung transplant in June, has been out of the public eye due to her health condition. She and Queen Sonja, Harald’s widow, walked behind the coffin during the procession.

Norway has been in an official state of mourning since King Harald’s death. Mourners have been laying flowers, writing cards, and lighting candles in front of the royal palace in Oslo.

The coffin was kept in the palace’s Red Salon over the weekend before being moved to the royal chapel. It will remain there until the funeral, with the public allowed to pay their respects starting Tuesday, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)