Following the death of King Harald V of Norway on 28 August, his son Crown Prince Haakon automatically became the monarch, and on Tuesday 1 September, King Haakon VIII officially took his oath to the Constitution before Parliament. During this bittersweet and significant occasion, the daughter of the Norwegian monarch, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, made a considered outfit choice.
Ingrid appeared to mirror her grandmother, Queen Sonja's look when she attended the 1991 proclamation of King Harald V. The fashion choice carefully paid homage to the striking look, with Ingrid sporting a black mourning dress with a simple floor-length silhouette featuring a high crew neckline and long sleeves. The dress was dignified, elegant, and deliberately minimal. She paired the chic dress with a black headpiece with matching net.
© NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesQueen Sonja's look 35 years ago was uncannily similar, with a classic black dress. Her headwear was slightly more decadent with a black structured pillbox hat and accompanying traditional black veil, Ingrid's sartorial choices appeared to be a modern reinterpretation of the classic outfit.
© NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesProtocol expert Marta Callejo spoke to HOLA! about the conscientious approach to funeral and poignant occasion dressing. She notes that funeral dress code "doesn't necessarily mean completely abandoning one's personal style. A person can maintain their usual silhouette and, through colour, fabric, accessories, and makeup, adapt that identity to the funeral protocol."
A brand new heir
The occasion marked a historic milestone for the Norwegian monarchy. As well as marking a major milestone for the new King Haakon VIII, who officially ushered in his new reign, it was of utmost importance for his daughter, who is now officially Crown Princess and first in line to the throne.
© NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesWhat happened to King Harald V?
Norway's beloved monarch King Harald V passed away peacefully at age 89 at Oslo University Hospital, surrounded by his devoted family. The iconic royal, who modernised the monarchy during his popular 35-year reign, had been hospitalised following complications from haemolytic anaemia and a bacterial blood infection. Tributes have poured in from around the globe for the revered sovereign, who leaves behind his cherished wife Queen Sonja.
© Getty ImagesKing Charles' message of condolence for King Harald V
The head of the British monarchy, King Charles, paid his respects to his "dear cousin".
"It is with the most profound sadness that my wife and I have learned of the death of my dear cousin, King Harald V of Norway. For thirty-five years, King Harald served his people with unwavering dedication, guiding Norway through times of great change with warmth and humility.
"As Norway mourns the loss of so towering a figure, my whole family join in remembering a much-loved kinsman and friend whose kindness, compassion and deep sense of duty echoed from across the sea and across the decades.
The United Kingdom and Norway share particularly close historical and family ties, with Britain one of the first countries to recognise Norwegian independence and establish diplomatic relations in 1905. These special bonds were even further strengthened during the dreadful trials of the Second World War and helped to bind our two countries together.
"The Queen and I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Queen Sonja and all her family, as Britain shares in Norway’s grief at this time of such heartbreaking loss."
