King Haakon of Norway ushered in a new era on 9 September as he laid his late father, King Harald, to rest at the state funeral following his death at the age of 89 on 28 August.
The Norwegian monarch reigned for 35 years before passing away in hospital due to complications related to hemolytic anaemia, a rare blood disorder.
While paying his respects at the service at Oslo Cathedral, Haakon wore his Royal Norwegian Army general's uniform, adorned with the Collar and Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav, the Royal House Order of King Harald V, and his military service medals.
© GettyIn the midst of the royal mourning period, fans may have been expecting to see the symbolic passing of authority to the new head of state with a coronation and crown – much like the pomp and ceremony of King Charles' coronation at Westminster Abbey in May 2023.
However, the 53-year-old Norwegian royal will not have a coronation as he sits at the helm with his wife of 25 years, Queen Mette-Marit of Norway.
Why King Haakon won't wear his crown
© GettyWhile the new monarch is not legally prohibited from wearing his crown, Haakon will be following in the footsteps of his ancestors, who have not had a coronation since 1906.
The Norwegian royal family's website states that Article 12 of the Norwegian Constitution of 1814 established that the King was to be crowned and anointed in Nidaros Cathedral. King Haakon and Queen Maud were the last to follow that tradition – and wear the crown – before the Norwegian parliament voted to strike the Article in 1908 on the grounds that the coronation ceremony was undemocratic and archaic.
Instead, successors such as King Harald V and King Haakon have taken a formal oath before parliament and participated in a consecration service at Nidaros Cathedral.
During this ceremony, the Norwegian crown is on display beside the monarch, serving as a national symbol of state rather than personal royal adornment.
The Norwegian Crown's 'rare' details
© GettyAccording to experts at CIRCA, the crown, which was crafted in 1818 by Swedish goldsmith Olof Wihlborg, features an "exceptionally large" central gem. The Empire-style regalia is forged from 20-carat solid gold, anchored by a massive 6.3 cm oval green tourmaline and surrounded by amethysts, pearls, topaz, rubies, emeralds and more precious gems.
With an eye-watering 1.5 kg frame, wearing the crown is not only contrary to modern tradition, but it would also be wildly impractical.
From Robin O'Neill, Director for CIRCA at Bethesda, Puerto Rico, Tysons, who has an AJP certification from the Gemological Institute of America, told HELLO!: "The Norwegian crown has a distinctly colourful, ornate Empire-period design." Comparing it to Britain's Imperial State Crown, she added: "At 1.5 kilograms, the Norwegian crown is approximately 40 per cent heavier", although the British design is more diamond-focused.
"The Norwegian crown's centrepiece is an exceptionally large Brazilian green tourmaline, reportedly presented to King Carl III Johan by the Brazilian consul in Stockholm. Based on its published dimensions, I would estimate it at approximately 300-400 carats, although its exact weight cannot be confirmed without examining the gemstone," Robin concluded.
