Norwegians Hold Memorial Services for King Harald V

Norwegians gathered at churches and cathedrals across the country on Sunday, August 30, 2026, for emotional memorial services honoring the late King Harald V, who died two days earlier at the age of 89. The services, which are not the official state funeral, marked the beginning of a national mourning period following the monarch's passing on Friday, August 28. The royal family attended a ceremony at Asker Church, southwest of Oslo, a regular venue for their religious services. King Haakon VIII, who ascended to the throne after his father's death, was joined by his mother, Queen Sonja, and his children, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus.