King Harald V of Norway and his wife Sonja leave the Notre Dame cathedral after attending at the funeral of the Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg, in Luxembourg. File
| Photo Credit: AP
Norwegians gathered on Saturday (August 29, 2026) to say goodbye to King Harald in front of the royal palace, where he lies in state, with many well-wishers remembering his sense of inclusiveness and tolerance.Europe’s oldest monarch, who emerged from the shadow of his well-loved, extrovert father to become a reformer during more than three decades on the throne, died on Friday (August 28) at the age of 89.Also read: Norway firm to set up India’s first river kinetic energy demo plant in ArunachalLate on Friday (August 28), thousands pressed the streets of Oslo under the pouring rain to watch the funeral cortege as it left Oslo University Hospital, where Harald passed away, to reach the royal palace.At a later point, Norwegians will be able to pay their respects in front of his coffin inside the royal chapel.When that happens, his coffin will stand on a purple-draped catafalque, with the family wreath attached and the symbols of monarchy, a crown, sword, sceptre and orb, placed on top until the funeral takes place. The date has not yet been made public.Flags were flying at half-mast throughout the country, and portraits of the late king in gala uniform were everywhere, from bus stops and metro stations to shops, offices and public buildings.Tolerance and inclusivity
