With hours to go before heads of state and royal houses from around the world bid farewell with full honors to King Harald, who died on August 28 at the age of 89, Queen Sonja has appeared in a moving new image.
The photograph, shared by the Norwegian Royal Family, demonstrates the depth of the couple's enduring 58 year-love story.
© Det kongelige hoffThe story of her meaningful brooch that she wore when Harald ascended the throne
The images show Queen Sonja, dressed in mourning attire, standing before the body of her husband, which lies in state in the chapel of rest set up in the Royal Palace in Oslo.
The grieving Queen appears serene, with her hands clasped and wearing a large Maltese cross brooch that belonged to Queen Maud of Norway. The jewel first belonged to Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom, Maud's mother, and from there passed to the Scandinavian Royal Family.
The brooch consists of a diamond band and four detachable crosses, which Sonja has worn both on the tiara and individually as a brooch. Queen Sonja had already worn one of these crosses in January 1991 when her husband, King Harald, went to Parliament to be sworn in as the new king after the death of Olav V.
© Det kongelige hoffThe symbolism of the jewel is particularly poignant; it was present at the beginning of Harald's reign and has reappeared now, after his death.
Sonja of Norway's tributes to her late husband
This is not the first time Queen Sonja has paid tribute to her late husband. Shortly after the death of Harald V, his widow appeared wearing a historic brooch that had come into her possession through love.
© Det kongelige hoffIt was the Queen Maud Clothiers' Company brooch, a jewel of diamonds and pearls that she inherited and which Sonja transformed over time into a piece deeply intertwined with her own image, wearing it on numerous occasions alongside Queen Maud's pearl and diamond tiara.
Since the 1970s, the brooch has accompanied her to celebrations, ceremonies, and royal gatherings.
The most beautiful flower crown
The Royal House also unveiled the special wreath that Queen Sonja chose to place beside her husband. A beautiful white arrangement bearing Sonja of Norway's monogram and the inscription "Thank you for a wonderful life", showing the depth of their love.
King Harald tragically passed away the day before the couple would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary.
© Det kongelige hoffNever-before-seen photo
To conclude the carousel, a new, very personal image of King Harald from decades ago was released. He is seen with Sonja, holding their children: Princess Märtha Louise as a baby, and King Haakon VIII.
Harald of Norway not only fought to marry the woman he loved, but throughout his life, he demonstrated that family was of paramount importance to him. In addition to being King, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
