Queen Sonja of Norway Cancels Several Appearances as King Harald Remains Hospitalized

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Queen Mette-Marit makes first official appearance following King Harald V's death

   Queen Mette-Marit joined a procession on Monday to transport the coffin of King Harald V through the royal palace to its chapel. This event marks her first official appearance since assuming her title. This follows memorial services held Sunday at Oslo Cathedral, where Dean Pal Kristian Balstad opened the funeral proceedings. King Harald V died at age 89, leaving the throne to his son, Haakon, who became King Haakon VIII.

   Why it matters

   The transition of power follows a period of declining health for King Harald V. The late King and Queen Sonja had been married for 57 years.

   What is confirmed

   • King Harald V of Norway died at age 89.
   • Queen Mette-Marit joined the procession to bring the late King's coffin to the royal chapel on Monday.
   • Dean Pal Kristian Balstad opened the funeral service at Oslo Cathedral on Sunday.
   • King Harald V and Queen Sonja were married for 57 years.

   What to watch next

   • Official coronation dates for King Haakon VIII
   • Public announcements regarding Queen Sonja's upcoming schedule
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.townandcountrymag.com — King Harald and Queen Sonja’s Royal Love Story
   2. www.inforum.com — From 1995: Norway's royals greeted with pomp, shrill winds in Fargo-Moorhead
   3. apnews.com — Norwegians line up at churches for emotional memorials remembering the late King Harald V
   4. apnews.com — Norway’s Queen Mette-Marit joins procession to bring late King Harald V’s coffin to royal chapel
   confidence 100%
2. 3d ago

   King Harald V of Norway dies at 89

   King Harald V of Norway has died at age 89, one day before his 58th wedding anniversary to Queen Sonja. His son, Haakon, becomes King Haakon VIII, and Mette-Marit Tjessem Hoiby becomes the new Queen of Norway. Royal leaders from Denmark and the Netherlands, including King Frederik, Queen Mary, King Willem-Alexander, and Queen Maxima, issued statements expressing great sorrow over the death. The King's passing follows a period of deteriorating health that led to his hospitalization and the cancellation of royal events.

   Why it matters

   King Harald V spent part of his childhood in exile in the United States during the Nazi occupation of Norway. He is credited with modernizing the monarchy by marrying a commoner, Queen Sonja, despite facing pressure to marry European nobility.

   What is confirmed

   • King Harald V of Norway died at the age of 89.
   • Haakon has become King Haakon VIII.
   • King Harald V lived in exile in the United States as a child during the Nazi occupation.
   • The King died one day before his 58th wedding anniversary to Queen Sonja.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Mette-Marit's son, Marius Borg, was sentenced to four years in prison for rape, domestic violence, drug-related offenses, and serious traffic violations.

   What to watch next

   • Official announcement of funeral arrangements
   • Formal coronation details for King Haakon VIII
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. apnews.com — Norway’s King Harald V dies at 89 and his son becomes King Haakon VIII
   2. jen.jiji.com — Norway, Mette-Marit is the new queen: a life between scandals and illnesses
   3. www.yahoo.com — Queen Mary, Queen Maxima & more royals express 'great sorrow' following King Harald of Norway's death
   4. www.vanityfair.com — King Harald V of Norway Dies at 89
   5. www.bollywoodshaadis.com — Who Is Queen Sonja? Know The Commoner King Harald V Fought To Marry Amid His Death At 89
   confidence 100%
3. 4d ago

   Norway's King Harald in Very Serious Condition as Royal Family Cancels Events

   The royal court announced Thursday that 89-year-old King Harald's health has deteriorated while in the hospital, describing his current condition as "very serious." In response to the crisis, the royal family has canceled all planned events. Members of the royal family have gathered at the King's bedside, and Queen Sonja has canceled several of her own appearances to remain with her husband.

   Why it matters

   King Harald V is the head of state for Norway. His declining health creates uncertainty regarding the immediate stability of royal duties and the continuity of the monarchy's public functions.

   What is confirmed

   • King Harald is 89 years old.
   • The royal court stated on Thursday that King Harald's health has deteriorated and is now "very serious."
   • The royal family has canceled all planned events.
   • Members of the royal family are gathered at the King's bedside.
   • Queen Sonja has canceled several appearances.

   Still unconfirmed

   • King Harald's condition is "extremely serious."

   What to watch next

   • Announcement of a temporary regent to handle state duties.
   Sources used for this update (10)

   1. Reuters — Health of Norway's king deteriorates while in hospital, palace says
   2. nypost.com — Norway’s King Harald in ‘very serious’ health condition, royal family cancels all planned events
   3. Town & Country Magazine — Queen Sonja of Norway Cancels Several Appearances as King Harald Remains Hospitalized
   4. BBC — Norway's royal family gathers at King Harald's bedside as his condition worsens
   5. Bloomberg.com — Norwegian King Harald in ‘Very Serious’ Condition, Palace Says
   6. New York Post — Norway’s King Harald in ‘very serious’ health condition, royal family cancels all planned events
   7. Al Jazeera — Norway’s King Harald in ‘extremely serious’ condition, palace says
   8. BBC — King of Norway's health has worsened, palace says
   9. www.yahoo.com — Queen Sonja stays by King Harald’s side as royal couple approaches emotional milestone amid health crisis
   10. en.royanews.tv — Norway holds its breath as King Harald's health deteriorates
   confidence 95%