Norway's King Harald V, who passed away on August 28 at the age of 89, will be laid to rest in an elaborate $2 million sarcophagus. The sarcophagus, designed by the renowned Norwegian architectural firm Snohetta, will be placed in the royal mausoleum at Akershus Castle. The design of the sarcophagus remains a secret, as it has not been unveiled to the public.
The monarch jokingly referred to the sarcophagus during a speech in October 2024, noting the inclusion of 20 million kroner ($2 million) in the government's budget for his elaborate coffin. He humorously mentioned hoping it would be well-padded for comfort.
After a service at the Oslo Cathedral, King Harald's casket will be transported in a procession to Akershus Castle, where a private ceremony will take place before his interment in the crypt of the royal mausoleum. The double sarcophagus will be placed next to two others inside the small mausoleum, inaugurated in 1949 as an annex to the castle chapel.
One sarcophagus, in white marble, contains the remains of King Haakon VII, Harald's grandfather, and his wife, Queen Maud. The other, in dark green patinated bronze, contains his parents, King Olav V and Crown Princess Martha. Both were designed by architect Arnstein Arneberg, who also created the mausoleum.
According to newspaper Aftenposten, this form of burial is a Norwegian tradition specific to the royal family. The design for King Harald and Queen Sonja was developed with respect for traditions and in consultation with the couple. The royal mausoleum, usually open to the public during visits to Akershus Castle, is currently closed to visitors.
This event underscores the unique traditions and the significant investment in the Norwegian royal family's burial practices. For Bangladeshi readers, it highlights the cultural and historical significance of royal burials and the meticulous planning involved in such ceremonies.
