Poignant images released by the Royal Court show King Harald V’s new stone sarcophagus, designed by Snøhetta and crafted from Sunnmøre olivine. Commissioned in 2024 and costing around 20 million NOK, the vessel-shaped coffin — inlaid with peridot and bearing bronze arms and a brass inscription — reflects the late king’s bond with the sea and Queen Sonja’s love of Norway’s nature. It now rests in the Royal Mausoleum at Akershus Castle beside his parents’ and grandparents’ coffins.
First Images of King Harald V’s Sarcophagus Released as Palace Confirms 20M NOK Cost
King Harald V of Norway (Getty Images)
Poignant new photographs released by the Royal Court of Norway reveal King Harald V’s stone sarcophagus, designed by the acclaimed firm Snøhetta and placed in the Royal Mausoleum at Akershus Castle in Oslo.
The sarcophagus of Norway's late King Harald V is seen in the crypt of the palace church in Oslo (@ NTB/AFP via Getty Images)
The late monarch, who died on 28 August aged 89, was laid to rest alongside family members in a ceremony that drew royal representatives from across Europe. The coffin, commissioned in 2024, is reported to have cost roughly 20 million NOK (about £1.6 million).
King Harald's stone coffin (left) has been laid to rest next to the two sarcophagi of King Haakon VII and Queen Maud, and King Olav V and Crown Princess Martha (@ NTB/AFP via Getty Images)
Design, Materials and Symbolism
Snøhetta, led by architect Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, designed the sarcophagus as a vessel-like form with a rounded base and a protective "hull," reflecting King Harald’s lifelong affinity with the sea. The stone chosen is olivine from Sunnmøre — a greenish rock familiar to Queen Sonja, who has long hiked in the region.
King Harald passed away aged 89 on 28 August
The Palace noted that the Sunnmøre olivine has properties that allow it to absorb and bind carbon dioxide, a symbolic nod to the late king’s and Queen Sonja’s shared interest in nature and the environment.
Prince William and Princess Anne attended the funeral (@ Getty Images)
"The sarcophagus thus brings together what has been important to each of them into a common resting place," the Royal Palace said in a statement.
Craftsmanship and Details
The sarcophagus lid is decorated with the royal regalia — the crown, orb, sceptre and sword — and features peridot inlays, chosen to complement the stone’s green tone. The royal coat of arms has been cast in bronze and reproduced at the foot of the coffin. The inscription is cast in brass using the Futura typeface and reads: "Harald V Norges Konge. 21 February 1937 - 28 August 2026."
All work emphasises Norwegian materials and traditional techniques, and the designers say the piece was conceived to reflect both the monarch’s relationship with the sea and Queen Sonja’s deep connection to Norway’s landscapes.
Funeral and Succession
King Harald’s state funeral took place on 9 September and was attended by royals and dignitaries from across Europe. The Prince of Wales, accompanied by the Princess Royal, represented King Charles, joining the procession behind the late king’s coffin. Sovereigns and representatives from Spain, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Monaco, Jordan and Japan were among those present.
Following Harald’s death, his son ascended the throne as King Haakon, and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra remains the heir. Two days after the funeral, King Harald’s sister, Princess Astrid, passed away at the age of 94; her funeral will be held at Ris Church in Oslo.
Photographs show the stone coffin positioned in the crypt of the palace church, resting beside the sarcophagi of King Olav V and Crown Princess Märtha and King Haakon VII and Queen Maud.
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