Royal family attends memorial service in Asker: around 500 stood outside
Photo: Cornelius Poppe / NTB
King Haakon, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Prince Sverre Magnus and Queen Sonja attended the memorial service for King Harald at Asker Church on Sunday. The church was full half an hour before the start, and around 500 people were left standing outside.
The royal family attended the memorial service for King Harald V at Asker Church on Sunday morning. King Haakon VIII, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Prince Sverre Magnus and Queen Sonja followed the service from the front row.
Prince Sverre Magnus, Queen Sonja, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and King Haakon during the memorial service at Asker Church. Photo: Cornelius Poppe / NTB
Queen Mette-Marit was not present. According to VG, she was absent for health reasons.
The family arrived by car. King Haakon stepped out first, followed by Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Prince Sverre Magnus and then Queen Sonja. An hour later they left the church and returned to Skaugum.
• Around 500 stood outside
Interest was far greater than the church could hold. Asker Church was full about half an hour before the service began, and police estimated that around 500 people were left standing outside without getting in.
Asker Church was filled to capacity during the memorial service on Sunday. Photo: Cornelius Poppe / NTB
Hanne Kari Fossum (53) had been standing outside the church since 8.20 in the morning. "I have thought all along that I would go to one of these places where there is a sense of community and calm," she told VG.
Vincent Jebsen (82) described the King as "a wonderful human being" and "an incredibly capable king". Several of those who turned up pointed to the same quality in King Harald: that he was someone who brought people together.
• "I am in the Lord's hands"
The order of service for the memorial service at Asker Church. Photo: Cornelius Poppe / NTB
The service opened with hymn number 494, "Jeg er i Herrens hender" ("I am in the Lord's hands").
King Haakon entering Asker Church alongside the priest. Photo: Cornelius Poppe / NTB
The service in Asker was not broadcast live. The ceremony in Oslo Cathedral was, and there were queues outside there as well. Memorial services were held across Norway on Sunday.
• The day after their wedding anniversary
The service came the day after what would have been King Harald and Queen Sonja's 58th wedding anniversary. The couple married in Oslo Cathedral on 29 August 1968.
RoyMob will continue to follow the mourning ceremonies in the days ahead.