Accession to the throne

The news that King Harald had passed away was announced after his closest family members and the three branches of government, represented by the President of the Storting, the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, had been notified.

The official announcement of King Harald’s death will be made by the new King in an extraordinary Council of State at the Royal Palace.

The new King will give his first speech as the Norwegian monarch in a broadcast to the people of Norway.

Flag at half mast

The Royal Standard over the Royal Palace was lowered to half mast when the death of King Harald was announced. The flag remained at half mast until after the extraordinary meeting of the Council in State has been held, and the new monarch has formally confirmed his regnal name and motto. At that time, the Royal Standard was once again raised over the Royal Palace. At the same time, the Royal Standard with mourning crepe was hoisted to half mast on the flag pole of the Palace balcony. In other words, there are will be two flags flown at the Royal Palace after the meeting of the Council in State. 

The flag flown from the Palace balcony will remain at half mast until King Harald’s funeral has been concluded in the Chapel at Akershus Castle, and his coffin is laid to rest in the Royal Mausoleum. At that time, the flag flown from the Palace balcony will be lowered and replaced with the State Flag hoisted to full mast. 

Titles of the members of the Royal House of Norway

The formalities carried out in connection with the accession of a new monarch to the throne are largely set out in the Constitution.

The new King confirms the name he will take as King, and as stated in Article 34 of the Constitution: "The King shall make provisions concerning titles for those who are entitled to succeed to the Crown."

The King also decides the titles of the other members of the Royal Family.

Books of condolence

In connection with the death of King Harald, books of condolence will be made publicly available in city and town halls throughout Norway for people wishing to sign them.

A digital book of condolence will be established on the kongehuset.no website. In addition, a book of condolence will be available at the Main Gate of the Palace, where Norwegian officials and members of the diplomatic corps will be invited to sign and leave a message of condolence.

Guard of Honour and filing past the coffin

The coffin will lie in state in the Palace Chapel until the day of the funeral. Cadets from the military academies will stand guard – two on each side. The coffin will be placed on a catafalque covered in purple velvet, and the wreath from the family will rest at the end the coffin. The King’s Crown and the Sword of State will be placed on top of the coffin.

The Chapel will be open for members of the public to file past the coffin and pay their last respects to King Harald at stipulated times during the days to come. The specific dates and times will be announced in due course.

Memorial services

Memorial services for King Harald will be held in churches across the country on Sunday. A special tribute to and prayer in memory of King Harald will be given during the service.

Oath of allegiance

The oath of allegiance ceremony follows the same format as the formal opening of the Storting. The new King first swears the oath of allegiance before the President of the Storting, and then announces the motto to be adopted for the monarch and Royal House of Norway.