King Harald's poignant final resting place pictured for the first time – as costs are revealed

Poignant images of King Harald's sarcophagus have been released by the Royal Court of Norway. 

The late Norwegian monarch, who passed away on 28 August aged 89, has been laid to rest in the Royal Mausoleum at Akershus Castle in Oslo – with the first pictures released over the weekend. 

The stone coffin was designed by the firm Snøhetta, architect Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, and cost an estimated 20 million NOK (£1.6 million) after being commissioned in 2024.

King Harald's sarcophagus has been laid alongside those of his parents, King Olav and Crown Princess Märtha, and his grandparents, King Haakon VII and Queen Maud.

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It was crafted using Norwegian materials and techniques and designed as a vessel with a rounded bottom and protective "hull" – inspired by King Harald’s close relationship with the sea. 

The material is stone from Sunnmøre, an area that Harald's widow, Queen Sonja, knows well and has hiked for many years. 

Following King Harald's death, the throne has passed to his son, King Haakon, with Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra now heir. 

The moving details on King Harald's coffin 

Sunnmøre, a greenish olivine stone, can absorb and bind carbon dioxide, reflecting Harald and Sonja's love for the environment.

"The sarcophagus thus brings together what has been important to each of them into a common resting place," the Palace said. 

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Meanwhile, the lid is adorned with the royal regalia, including the crown, orb, sceptre, and sword, inlaid with peridot, a green gemstone. The royal coat of arms is cast in bronze and reproduced at the foot of the sarcophagus.

The inscription is carved from brass and uses the typeface Futura, reading: "Harald V Norges Konge. 21 February 1937 - 28 August 2026."

The Palace added: "The material used for the sarcophagus is olivine, a rock formed in the Earth's interior and pushed forward by the forces that have shaped Norway.

"Just like King Harald's life at sea, Queen Sonja's relationship with Norwegian nature has been an important inspiration in the design of the sarcophagus. She has gone on countless trips in Norwegian nature, on foot and on skis all over the country."

King Harald honoured by fellow royals at funeral

King Harald's state funeral was held on 9 September and was attended by royal representatives from all over Europe. 

The Prince of Wales, joined by his aunt, the Princess Royal, stepped in for King Charles at the poignant final farewell, and formed part of the walking procession behind the much-loved monarch's coffin. 

© Getty Images

Also processing against a backdrop of sombre music by the military bands were Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, the Kings and Queens of Spain, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and Jordan, and Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko.

Just two days after attending the late King's funeral, Harald's sister, Princess Astrid, passed away at the age of 94.

Her funeral will be held at Ris Church in Oslo on Wednesday.