emotional tributes

King Frederik and Queen Mary order poignant palace tribute following King Harald V’s death

The solemn image offered a visible reflection of the grief being felt by Denmark’s royal family

AUGUST 28, 2026 4:36 PM EDTAUG 28, 2026, 4:36 PM EDT

King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark ordered a poignant tribute following the death of King Harald V of Norway.

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The Danish Royal House announced that the national flag was lowered to half-mast at Amalienborg Palace on Friday, August 28, in memory of the late Norwegian monarch, who died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital earlier that morning. He was 89.

Crown Prince Frederik, Queen Sonja, Crown Princess Mary and King Harald V pose aboard the Royal Yacht Norge in Aarhus, Denmark, on June 16, 2023. Frederik and Mary remembered the late monarch affectionately as “Uncle Harald.” — King Frederik and Queen Mary remembered “Uncle Harald” as an extraordinary man with “a twinkle in his eye and a big heart.”

The solemn image offered a visible reflection of the grief being felt by Denmark’s royal family, whose relationship with Harald extended far beyond their official roles.

Frederik and Mary addressed Harald’s son and successor, King Haakon VIII, in a deeply personal message following the news.

The Danish flag, known as the Dannebrog, flies at half-mast at Amalienborg Palace following the death of King Harald V.

“Dear Haakon,” their letter began. The couple sent their warmest thoughts and condolences to “Aunt Sonja,” Haakon, his wife, Mette-Marit, and the rest of the Norwegian royal family.

“Your father meant a great deal to my mother and both of us,” they wrote, referring affectionately to the late monarch as “Uncle Harald.”

King Frederik and Queen Mary decided that flags at Amalienborg would be lowered in memory of the late Norwegian monarch.

Frederik and Mary remembered Harald for his warm and dry sense of humor, unwavering calm and ability to make others feel at ease. They described him as “an extraordinary man, with a twinkle in his eye and a big heart.”

“For 35 years, King Harald was a strong unifying figure for the Norwegian people,” their message continued. “He joined duty and responsibility with presence and compassion. He was cherished like few others, and he will be missed by many.”

King Frederik and Queen Mary remembered “Uncle Harald” as an extraordinary man with “a twinkle in his eye and a big heart.” — King Harald shared a close bond with the Danish royal family that extended beyond their official responsibilities.

The Danish royals also reflected on the ties between their two countries and families, writing that the Danish-Norwegian bonds remained strong after generations of close connections.

Buckingham Palace lowers its flag:

The tribute at Amalienborg was one of several visible signs of mourning seen at royal residences across Europe.

In the United Kingdom, the Union Flag was lowered to half-mast at Buckingham Palace following the announcement of Harald’s death. Flags were also lowered at Windsor Castle, Clarence House and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

Queen Sonja, then-Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and King Harald pose for an official photograph at the Royal Palace in Oslo on March 20, 2012. King Charles remembered Harald as his “dear cousin” and a much-loved friend. — The Union Flag was lowered to half-mast at Buckingham Palace as Britain joined Norway in mourning.

King Charles III paid tribute to his “dear cousin,” remembering him as a beloved relative and friend who served Norway with “unwavering dedication.”

“For thirty-five years, King Harald served his people with unwavering dedication, guiding Norway through times of great change with warmth and humility,” Charles wrote.

King Charles paid tribute to his “dear cousin,” remembering his warmth, humility and unwavering dedication to Norway.

The British monarch also emphasized the close historical and family ties shared by the United Kingdom and Norway, which were strengthened during World War II.

“The Queen and I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Queen Sonja and all her family,” Charles concluded, adding that Britain shared in Norway’s grief at a time of “heartbreaking loss.”

Sweden joins the royal tribute:

Flags were also lowered at the Royal Palace in Stockholm and at Sweden’s other royal palaces and buildings. The gesture was set to continue on Friday and Saturday, as well as on the day of Harald’s funeral.

King Carl Gustaf was among the first to send his condolences to the Norwegian Royal Family, to whom he is bound by ties of blood and deep friendship.

King Carl XVI Gustaf said that Sweden’s royal family had received the news of their “dear friend” Harald’s death with great sadness.

The Swedish government also ordered flags at its offices to be lowered until sunset, describing the Norwegian King as a dependable, respected and unifying figure across both Norway and the Nordic region.

Norway begins national mourning:

In Norway, the government declared an official period of national mourning beginning on the day of Harald’s death and continuing until after his funeral.

Mourners gather at a makeshift memorial of flowers to pay tribute to King Harald V of Norway who passed away, at the Royal Palace square in Oslo on August 28, 2026.

Flags will remain at half-mast at royal residences, government buildings and military bases throughout the mourning period. Church bells rang across the country following the announcement and will ring again on the day of the funeral.

Members of the public gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo to lay flowers, light candles and remember the late King. Harald will lie in state in the Palace Chapel before his funeral at Oslo Cathedral, with the date yet to be confirmed.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre lays a flower in honor of King Harald V in front of the Royal Palace in Oslo.

King Harald ascended the throne in 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V. After 35 years as Norway’s monarch, he has been succeeded by his son, King Haakon VIII.