King Harald chose a rather unusual topic for his speech to politicians at traditional celebration – he got a big laugh talking about his own burial.
The King of Norway had welcomed parliamentarians to the Royal Palace in Oslo for the annual dinner he hosts for members of the country’s Storting. And he began his speech with a surprise – a reference to the tomb that is now being planned for him and his consort, Queen Sonja.
At the start of October, the Norwegian government revealed its plans for the country’s budget and among them were the costs of a sarcophagus. Its inclusion in the budget plans caused quite a stir in Norway as did the choice of word for the royal tomb.
King Harald was in no mood to ignore that. He began with a variation on traditional words of welcome, saying ”President of the Storting, dear representatives – Sarcophagus.”
King Harald went on ”this year’s national budget contained an item that, surprisingly, could bring to mind Egyptian pyramids and burial chambers….now even more people probably know what the word means, and I thank the authorities for their consideration in the hereafter.”
The sarcophagus will cost around 20 million kroner (£1.4 million) and it will, when the time comes, be the resting place of Harald and Sonja.
The Queen of Norway laughed as her husband discussed their plans for eternity, with King Harald also noting ”I hope it will be well padded so our stay will be comfortable. We’re going to be there for a while.”
King Harald continued ”and with that, the Queen and I, alive, welcome you all to the palace.”
The reference went down well with his guests before Harald V returned to a more serious subject. The parliamentarians’ dinner began in 1906, in the first full year of the reign of Harald’s grandfather, King Haakon VII. He had been offered the throne in 1905 but had said he would only accept if the people wanted it with a referendum soon afterwards confirming a large majority in favour. He insisted on inviting members of parliament to a dinner to show the strong bond and respect between monarch and politicians.
The tradition has continued every year since, with a short break in World War Two. King Harald said ”you are our foremost representatives from all over the country – and you are driven by values, you are hard-working and you have a great sense of responsibility.”
And he also made reference to the support he and his family have received as they navigated a difficult summer. In August, Marius Borg Hoiby, the stepson of the heir to the throne, was arrested on suspicion of assualt. King Harald said ”we are grateful for all the warmth and consideration that has been shown to us throughout this special and demanding year….sometimes life is simply very difficult. It is something everyone can experience – even our family.”
King Harald finished with the traditional toast to the country’s parliament, saying ”I wish each representative the best of luck with all the important tasks that must be carried out for the benefit of the country and people. I toast the Storting and the fatherland!”
King Harald’s warm words were praised in the media afterwards. He remains one of the most popular monarchs in Europe. In August, the month which also saw his only daughter criticised for selling exclusive rights to her wedding to a magazine, a poll showed that a large majority of Norwegians don’t want Harald to contemplate abdication.
