King Harald’s poignant final resting place has been pictured for the first time, as details of the costs surrounding his burial have been revealed.
Poignant images of King Harald’s sarcophagus have been released by the Royal Court of Norway.
The late Norwegian monarch, who died aged 89 on August 28, was laid to rest in the Royal Mausoleum at Akershus Castle in Oslo, with the first images released over the weekend.
The specially designed stone coffin was commissioned in 2024 from Snøhetta and architect Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, at an estimated cost of NOK 20 million (£1.6 million).
King Harald’s sarcophagus has been placed alongside those of his parents, King Olav and Crown Princess Märtha, as well as his grandparents, King Haakon VII and Queen Maud.
Sunnmøre, a greenish olivine stone, can absorb and bind carbon dioxide, reflecting Harald and Sonja's love for the environment.
Crafted from Norwegian stone using traditional techniques, the sarcophagus features a rounded bottom and protective “hull” inspired by King Harald’s lifelong connection to the sea.
The stone was sourced from Sunnmøre, an area familiar to Queen Sonja through years of hiking.
"The sarcophagus thus brings together what has been important to each of them into a common resting place," the Palace said.
The Palace added: "The material used for the sarcophagus is olivine, a rock formed in the Earth's interior and pushed forward by the forces that have shaped Norway.
They mentioned, "Just like King Harald's life at sea, Queen Sonja's relationship with Norwegian nature has been an important inspiration in the design of the sarcophagus. She has gone on countless trips in Norwegian nature, on foot and on skis all over the country."
King Harald's state funeral
To note, King Harald's state funeral was held on 9 September and was attended by royal representatives from all over Europe.
