This Friday, October 9, Norway’s Royal House will officially end the month-long mourning period following the state funeral of King Harald V, who passed away on August 28 at age 89. During these weeks, the monarchy has largely been on stand-by, although official activities did not come to a complete halt. As a sign of respect, King Haakon decreed that all members of the Royal Family and Palace staff must dress in mourning or wear a black armband.
A gradual return to official duties
Once the mourning period ends, the Royal Family will gradually resume its full official schedule. In addition to constitutional duties and the usual items on the agenda, the Royal House has issued a statement announcing that King Haakon will carry out themed visits to key areas of Norwegian society, focusing on democracy, nature, the environment, the economy, defense, and inclusion in the coming months. The monarch will also invite groups from different social backgrounds to meetings throughout the fall and winter.
© Rune HellestadQueen Mette‑Marit off the agenda until summer
For now, there will be no major official trips or state visits during the fall and winter. “The changes brought about by the transition on the throne will require time to focus on internal processes over the next few months.” “Her Majesty the Queen is still in rehabilitation following her lung transplant and, in principle, will not have any official program until next summer.”
Princess Ingrid’s plans
Princess Ingrid, who has taken on a first lady role due to her mother’s health issues and has accompanied her father at key state events at the start of his reign, “will continue to prioritize her studies and will take part in some official engagements until she returns to Australia to begin her studies in February,” the Royal House has announced. Interestingly, on February 9, 2027, the new trial of Marius Borg, the son Queen Mette‑Marit had before marrying King Haakon, is set to begin, with new witnesses and evidence to be presented. Queen Sonja will continue to carry out official duties representing the Royal House. Prince Sverre, the youngest son of Haakon and Mette‑Marit of Norway, is studying Business Management in Lisbon at Forward College, the same university where Infanta Sofía is enrolled. She is in her second year and is therefore based at the Paris campus.
© Patrick van KatwijkHaakon VIII’s first trip as King
On October 13 and 14, Haakon VIII will undertake his first official trip as Norway’s new king. He will visit Narvik, a city in northern Norway that played a crucial role in World War II. In 1940, some of the fiercest battles fought on Norwegian soil took place there. Today, Narvik is a key training hub for Norway and its allies, and the country’s and Scandinavia’s most important seaport for shipping mineral resources.
© LISE ASERUDThe visit of Alexander Stubb, who hosted King Felipe and Queen Letizia in Finland
Before traveling to this strategic point in the north of the country, King Haakon will receive Finland’s president, Alexander Stubb, who recently hosted King Felipe and Queen Letizia during their first state visit to Finland of this reign. The meeting will take place this Thursday, October 8, in Oslo, where in addition to meeting the King, he will also hold talks with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
