Although the funeral and burial will not take place until next September 9 — the Kings of Spain have already confirmed their attendance — the events surrounding the death of Harald V of Norway continue days after the royal family confirmed the monarch’s death. The latest development is the transfer of the body to the chapel of the Royal Palace.
The coffin has traversed the rooms of the royal residence in a farewell that has not been free of controversy. Although it was an intimate and family gathering, photographs of this final farewell have been released, and the solemn procession has been somewhat overshadowed by the presence of Marius Borg, Mette-Marit’s son.
And the coffin, draped with the royal flag, was carried by a cortege formed by King Harald V’s children and grandchildren. At the head were King Haakon together with the heiress apparent, Princess Ingrid Alexandra. Behind them were Prince Sverre Magnus and Princess Märtha Louise. Finally, Märtha Louise’s daughters Maud, Leah and Emma, and Marius Borg.
The young man’s presence has not gone unnoticed and has already been harshly criticized on social media. And as the police confirmed this Monday to TV2, the queen’s son would have received a special permit to participate in this act, since he is under house arrest at Skaugum and wearing an electronic ankle bracelet.
The transfer of Harald V of Norway’s coffin.
A permit that would also extend to next September 9, when the official funeral will take place, to which more authorities and European royal representatives will attend. A decision questioned due to the legal situation in which Marius finds himself, after being found guilty of 34 offenses.
The presence of Mette-Marit’s son confirms the bond and affection he has always shared with King Harald V. And his legal troubles have not prevented him from being among those who accompanied the coffin on its transfer from the Red Hall to the Royal Chapel.
Marius Borg.
The royal family as a whole did not want to miss this gathering, and just behind the coffin, Mette-Marit and the queen mother walked hand in hand, completing a procession marked by mourning and grief. All were dressed in black with solemn expressions, as they made the transfer, accompanied by a corridor formed by the staff of the royal residence.
Afterward, they moved outside to greet the citizens gathered there and to thank the affection that has turned into flowers, drawings, and letters placed at the palace doors. The kings and the queen mother were very approachable and felt the condolences and expressions of affection from the people up close.
