Public tributes begin as Queen Sonja's funeral preparations advance
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Norway has opened the Royal Chapel to the public, allowing citizens to pay their respects to the late King Harald V, who passed away on August 28, 2026. This marks a new phase in the national mourning period, with queues forming as people gather to bid farewell to the beloved monarch. Meanwhile, arrangements for the state funeral are underway, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs anticipating numerous foreign dignitaries and addressing significant security concerns.
In related news, a new poll indicates that Queen Sonja, widow of King Harald V and mother of the new King Haakon VIII, is highly popular among Norwegians. Her public standing remains strong as the royal family navigates this period of transition. King Haakon VIII ascended to the throne immediately upon his father's death, with his wife Mette-Marit now serving as Queen, and their daughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra as Crown Princess.
Beyond the royal events, domestic news includes a tragic fire in Hamar that resulted in one fatality, a serious traffic accident in Klepp with two hospitalizations, and a DNB bank error causing incorrect balance displays for customers. Additionally, there's news of a price jump affecting consumers and cost overruns for the Fornebu Line project due to mobile coverage requirements.