Norway’s royal household will conclude its month-long mourning period following King Harald V’s state funeral on Friday, October 9. The late monarch died on August 28 at the age of 89.
During these weeks, the monarchy has maintained a reduced schedule, although its activities have not stopped entirely. As a sign of mourning, King Haakon required members of the royal family and palace staff to wear mourning attire or a black armband.
© Getty ImagesA gradual return to official duties:
Once the mourning period ends, the royal family will gradually resume its official schedule. In addition to his constitutional duties and regular engagements, King Haakon will undertake visits focusing on key areas of society.
© Patrick van KatwijkAccording to a statement from the royal household, these will address democracy, nature, the environment, the economy, defense and inclusion.
The monarch will also invite groups from different parts of society to meetings throughout the fall and winter.
Queen Mette-Marit will have no official schedule until next summer:
No major official trips or state visits are planned for the fall and winter. The royal household explained that the transition to a new reign will require time for internal processes over the coming months.
© Chris JacksonQueen Mette-Marit, meanwhile, remains in rehabilitation following her lung transplant. According to the palace, she is not currently expected to have an official schedule until next summer.
Princess Ingrid’s plans:
Princess Ingrid has taken on a more prominent supporting role during her mother’s recovery, accompanying her father at important state occasions marking the beginning of his reign.
© Chris JacksonThe royal household said she will continue to prioritize her education while taking part in selected official engagements before returning to Australia in February to resume her studies.
That month will also bring another development for the family: A new trial involving Marius Borg, Queen Mette-Marit’s son from before her marriage to King Haakon, is scheduled to begin on February 9, 2027, with new witnesses and evidence expected to be presented.
© WireImageQueen Sonja will continue carrying out official duties representing the royal household. Meanwhile, Prince Sverre, Haakon and Mette-Marit’s younger child, is studying business management at Forward College in Lisbon. Spain’s Infanta Sofía attends the same institution, although she is studying at its Paris campus during her second year.
Haakon VIII’s first official trip as king:
On October 13 and 14, Haakon VIII will make his first official trip as Norway’s new king, visiting the northern city of Narvik.
The city holds considerable historical significance because of its role in World War II. In 1940, some of the fiercest battles fought on Norwegian soil took place there.
© Rune HellestadToday, Narvik is an important hub for defense preparedness for Norway and its allies, as well as a major Scandinavian port for transporting mineral resources.
A visit from Finnish President Alexander Stubb:
Before traveling north, King Haakon received Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Oslo on Thursday, October 8. Stubb recently hosted Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia during their first state visit to Finland since Felipe’s reign began.
During his visit to Oslo, the Finnish president is also scheduled to meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
© LISE ASERUD
