New photographs show Queen Sonja alone at the King's coffin
Photo: The Royal Court
On Tuesday the Royal House released new photographs of Queen Sonja in the Palace Chapel, standing alone before the coffin of the man she had been married to for almost 58 years. Tuesday is also the last day the public can file past the King, after around 5,000 people have come each day.
On Tuesday the Royal House released new photographs of Queen Sonja in the Palace Chapel. They show her standing alone before the coffin of the man she had been married to for almost 58 years. The Royal House has not said when the pictures were taken.
Queen Sonja beside the coffin in the Palace Chapel. Photo: The Royal Court of Norway
• The message on the wreath
The wreath from the Queen carries a short, personal message: Thank you for a good life. The ribbon also bears her own crowned S monogram.
The wreath from Queen Sonja, with her message and her crowned monogram. Photo: The Royal Court of Norway
• Last day for the public
The Palace Chapel opened to the public on Tuesday 1 September. Since then around 5,000 people have come each day to file past the coffin.
Saturday saw the largest turnout, when 6,960 people passed through the chapel and the wait reached up to seven hours.
Tuesday is the last chance for the public to file past. The chapel is open until 7pm. The funeral will be held in Oslo Cathedral on Wednesday.
The Queen alone before the coffin, with the King's orders laid out on cushions. Photo: The Royal Court of Norway
• Seen in her grief
Queen Sonja has also shown herself to the crowds outside the Palace in the days since the King's death. She has been seen at one of the windows as more and more people gathered on the Palace Square, and when a choir sang for those present, she stood at the window listening together with several of the King's closest family.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has previously pointed out that Queen Sonja was the person closest of all to King Harald. He has also said he believes she will remain an important resource for the royal house, not least through her strong commitment to art and culture.
The Queen keeps the title of queen following her husband's death.
• Almost 58 years of marriage
Sonja Haraldsen and the then Crown Prince Harald married in Oslo Cathedral on 29 August 1968, after many years together. King Harald died on 28 August this year, the day before the couple would have completed 58 years of marriage.
The Royal House has also shared private photographs from the family album. Here the couple are seen with their children Märtha Louise and Haakon. Photo: The Royal Court of Norway