Honoring King Harald V, An Encounter with Norway’s Monarch

Honoring King Harald V, a Royal Legacy Encounter on Karl Johans Gate

With the news of King Harald V’s passing, a profound sense of grief and immense gratitude sweeps across Norway and all of us who have felt the quiet warmth of his reign. Reflecting back on our time in Oslo last October, stepping out of the Grand Hotel and casually finding ourselves standing just fifteen feet from the King and Queen was an extraordinary highlight of our travels. Today, join me in honoring King Harald V and my spontaneous, front-row memory that carries an entirely new, solemn meaning. Having seen his dignity up close on Karl Johans Gate during what would be one of his final State Openings of Parliament, we join the world in honoring a beloved sovereign whose life was defined by duty, openness, and an unwavering devotion to his people.

15 Feet from Royalty: A Stark Contrast to American Security

Our view of King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway. This was taken on October 11, 2025 just outside The Grand Hotel.

As Americans, our immediate expectation when approaching any major civic event, let alone one featuring a reigning head of state, is heavy-handed security. We are accustomed to metal detectors, TSA-style baggage scans, bomb-sniffing dogs, barricades set blocks away, and visible, heavy tactical teams keeping the public at a distance.

Oslo presented a world entirely opposite.

We simply walked out of our hotel room, stepped onto the sidewalk of Karl Johans Gate, and stood mere 15 to 20 feet away from the parade line. There were no bag checks. No metal detectors to walk through. No credentials required. We just showed up, stood on the curb, and became part of the crowd.

Soldiers of His Majesty The King's Guard (Hans Majestet Kongens Garde) standing at attention in parade dress along the street line, foregrounded by an Oslo police officer in a dark uniform and cap.

Positioned along the cobblestone street stood a regimented line of His Majesty The King's Guard (Hans Majestet Kongens Garde) alongside local police officers. Dressed in their dark blue uniforms with dark green epaulets and iconic feathered bowler-style hats, the guards maintained order not with imposing force, but with quiet, dignified authority. The crowd itself, lined up ten deep in some areas, was patient, respectful, and calm.

A Final Glimpse of the King and Queen

A glimpse of Norwegian royalty from just 15 feet away: King Harald V and Queen Sonja passing the Grand Hotel during one of their final public processions through Oslo.

After about an hour of eager anticipation, the rhythmic clip-clop of the ceremonial escort signaled the procession's approach.

Then came the moment we will never forget. His Majesty King Harald V and Her Majesty Queen Sonja passing directly in front of us.

Lifting my camera to capture video of the procession, I caught a crystal-clear frame of the King and Queen waving to the crowds. To be standing on an open city street, feeling the cool October air, and capturing a personal glimpse of King Harald V from just feet away felt surreal. Seeing his gentle smile in person revealed why he was so universally revered. He didn't rule far above his people; he walked among them.

What the King Meant to Norway—and a Lasting Legacy

King Harald V was far more than a constitutional figurehead; he was the moral anchor and unifying soul of modern Norway. Reigning under the steadfast motto "Alt for Norge" ("All for Norway"), he transformed the monarchy into a symbol of modern inclusion, compassion, and deep social trust. Whether acting as a comforting voice during national grief or championing an open, welcoming identity for all Norwegians, he led by humble example.

That deep mutual trust was visible right on Karl Johans Gate. The security apparatus wasn't hidden because it was non-existent, but because Norwegian society operates on an immense foundation of civic faith. For a traveler from the U.S., experiencing an official state event stripped of intimidating security barriers was both refreshing and profoundly moving.

Standing outside the Grand Hotel, camera in hand, watching King Harald V pass by just a few yards away, remains one of the absolute highlights of our journey through Scandinavia—a treasured memory of a sovereign who gave everything for his country.

Watch this video coverage of the Royal Parade and State Opening of the Storting in Oslo to see the ceremonial procession, military uniforms, and the atmosphere along Karl Johans Gate during the State Opening proceedings.