King Harald's funeral date confirmed, Haakon to rule without coronation

The date for King Harald V’s funeral has been revealed as Norway following the monarch’s death at the age of 89.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre confirmed to Norwegian broadcaster NRK that the funeral will take place in September 7th to September 13th. 

A memorial service will be held at Oslo Cathedral, a particularly meaningful setting for the Norwegian Royal Family.

The cathedral is where Harald married Queen Sonja in 1968, and where his son, King Haakon VIII, also married Queen Mette-Marit. 

On Sunday, King Haakon attended a service at Asker Church alongside his mother, Queen Sonja, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus.

No coronation for King Haakon

As Haakon begins his reign, there will be no elaborate coronation like the one held for British monarchs.

Norway abolished its constitutional requirement for coronation in 1908, after lawmakers voted to remove the relevant provision from the 1814 Constitution. 

The last Norwegian coronation took place in 1906, when King Haakon VII and Queen Maud were crowned at Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.

Haakon could instead choose to hold a consecration ceremony at Nidaros Cathedral. 

Unlike a coronation, however, he would not be crowned. The royal crown may be displayed during the ceremony as a symbol of the monarchy.

Touching tribute from Ari Behn’s mother

Another deeply personal message has come from Marianne Behn, the former mother-in-law of Princess Märtha Louise.

Marianne shared a photograph of King Harald alongside her late son, Ari Behn, the author and artist who was married to Märtha Louise for 15 years before their divorce in 2017.