Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf puts his royal court into mourning over death of friend and relation King Harald V of Norway

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden had put his royal court into official mourning following the death of his close friend and relation, King Harald V of Norway.

The Swedish king said mourning would be observed by his court and staff to the fullest degree on the day that Harald died, August 28th. It will continue through August 29th and be observed again on the day of Harald’s funeral – the date of that has not yet been announced.

In between August 29th and the funeral, second degree mourning will be observed for Harald. This means that some of the planned engagements that the Swedish royals had lined up will now be put on hold.

King Carl XVI Gustaf and King Harald were second cousins once removed and enjoyed a strong friendship. King Harald was godfather to the heir to the Swedish throne, Crown Princess Victoria while King Carl Gustaf is godfather to Harald’s only son, the new King Haakon VIII of Norway.

As news of King Harald’s death broke, the Swedish royals lowered the flag at their palace in Stockholm to half mast.

King Carl Gustaf wrote ”It is with great sadness that my family and I have received the news that our dear friend, King Harald, has passed away. King Harald’s life story is exceptional; After his childhood hardships with war and exile, he was able to return with his family to a free Norway and follow the country’s fantastic development during the 20th century, and then succeed his father as King of Norway.”

The King of Sweden continued ”Both as head of state and as a successful sportsman, King Harald was an outstanding representative of his country. He gave “everything for Norway”.

In an emotional tribute, Sweden’s king continued ”Throughout the years, The King has been a good friend to me, my family and to Sweden. King Harald is now mourned by many in our country.”

There were moving words, too, for Queen Sonja who has lost her husband of 58 years. King Carl Gustaf said ”To Queen Sonja, my family and I today express our deepest condolences.”

There were also words for the new monarch, king to king, as Carl Gustaf said ”I wish my dear godson Haakon, who now succeeds his father as King of Norway, all the best and prosperity in his coming work for our brother country and people.”

King Harald’s death was announced early on the morning of August 28, King Haakon was with his father when he died and has now left the Rikshospitalet.