Norwegian Palace Reveals Ship-Shaped Olivine Sarcophagus for King Harald V
OSLO, September 18, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Norway’s Royal Palace revealed on Friday the ship-shaped olivine sarcophagus in which King Harald V was laid to rest following his funeral in Oslo.
King Harald passed away on August 28 at the age of 89. His funeral took place on September 9, but details of his final resting place had remained private until the Royal House of Norway released photographs and information about the design.
The sarcophagus is installed in the Royal Mausoleum at Akershus Fortress. Its rounded hull shape reflects King Harald’s close relationship with the sea and refers to historic ship-burial traditions in which a vessel carried the deceased on a final journey.
The shared sarcophagus was designed for King Harald and his widow, Queen Sonja.
It is made from green olivine stone originating in western Norway. The rock was formed about 400 million years ago and brought toward the surface by the geological forces that shaped the Norwegian landscape.
The Palace said olivine can absorb and bind carbon dioxide. The designers used that property to represent the royal couple’s love of nature and concern for future generations.
© Ole Berg-Rusten
King Harald had joked about the project during his lifetime.
“I hope it has good padding so that our stay will be comfortable. We’re going to be staying there for a while, after all,” he said.
The sarcophagus cost 20 million Norwegian kroner.
It stands beside two other royal sarcophagi. One, made from white marble, contains King Haakon VII and Queen Maud. The other, made from dark green bronze, contains King Olav V and Crown Princess Märtha, King Harald’s parents.
Source: AFP
