King Harald V to be placed in $2mn sarcophagus

Norway's King Harald V is due to be placed on Wednesday in a 20 million kroner, or about $2 million, sarcophagus in Oslo whose design has not been unveiled to the public.

Harald, who died on August 28 at age 89, joked about the final resting place in an October 2024 speech after the cost appeared in the government budget. The double sarcophagus was designed for him and Queen Sonja and will one day hold them both.

A service at Oslo Cathedral is scheduled to begin at 1:00 pm (1100 GMT), before the king's casket is transported in a procession to Akershus Castle for a private ceremony and interment in the crypt of the royal mausoleum.

The sarcophagus was designed by Norwegian architectural firm Snohetta. The royal palace has previously said the design was developed with respect for traditions and in consultation with the royal couple.

The mausoleum, an annex to the castle chapel inaugurated in 1949, already contains sarcophagi for Harald's grandfather King Haakon VII and Queen Maud, and for his parents King Olav V and Crown Princess Martha. It is usually open during visits to Akershus Castle but is currently closed to visitors.