Norway after the death of King Harald. These rules apply to schools, work and everyday life
The death of King Harald will be visible throughout Norway, but everyday life will not be brought to a halt. Schools, workplaces, sporting and cultural events can continue to operate. The changes will primarily concern official signs of mourning, the organisation of public spaces and the opportunity to bid farewell to the monarch.
Harald V was in hospital from 17 to 28 August.
Fot. Jonathan Mazin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Norwegian government has set out the rules that apply during national mourning. They do not provide for the general closure of schools, businesses or entertainment venues, and decisions regarding some events have been left to their organisers. However, symbols of mourning will appear in many places. These will include flags flown at half-mast, and residents may also sign books of condolence.
Schools and businesses remain open. Events may continue
Social life will not be suspended. The government states that private celebrations, such as birthdays, christenings, confirmations, weddings and funerals, may take place as planned. The same applies to sporting and cultural events. Organisers may decide themselves whether to cancel, postpone or change their format.<br /><br />However, additional gestures are possible. Organisers may mark the mourning period with a minute of silence, the playing of the national anthem or black armbands worn by participants. There is also no general requirement to close schools and workplaces. Each institution and employer makes its own decision in this matter.
Harald V served from 17 January 1991 to 28 August 2026.Photo: Sámediggi - Sametinget, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Flags at half-mast. Condolences across the country
The mourning will be particularly visible in public spaces. Flags on government buildings and royal residences are to remain at half-mast until the end of the funeral ceremonies. Private flag owners are under no such obligation. They decide for themselves whether they wish to use this form of commemorating the monarch.<br /><br />Books of condolence have also been made available throughout Norway. They can be signed at all town halls and cathedrals, as well as at some other churches, as decided by local parishes. The Royal House has also launched an online book of condolence. Similar books are to be available at all Norwegian embassies abroad.
On Tuesday, 1 September, Haakon VIII will also appear in the Norwegian parliament (the Storting). As the Speaker of the Storting, Masud Gharahkhani of the Labour Party (Ap), told NRK, the new monarch will take the oath required by the constitution there. In its wording, he will undertake to govern the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with the constitution and applicable law. The formula ends with an invocation of God Almighty and All-Knowing.
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