The Chief Justice's eulogy in honour of King Harald V

Norway has lost a beloved and inclusive king. 

A King with deep knowledge of societal affairs, both in Norway and internationally, who never lost sight of the fundamental values upon which our rule of law is founded. 

King Harald carried these values with him in his encounters with the people.

He gave voice to them in his speeches. 

The Kingdom of Norway is a “free, independent, indivisible and inalienable realm”. Those words are found in the first Article of our Constitution. 

The same Article declares that Norway’s form of government is a hereditary monarchy.

Thus, in one and the same constitutional provision, the Eidsvoll men declared both our independence and our form of government: a democratic-monarchical mixed government. 

On 21 January 1991, when King Harald took the constitutional oath before the Storting, the Norwegian parliament, he was the first Norwegian king born in Norway for more than 600 years.  

In his oath, he pledged “to govern the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with its Constitution and laws”.  

It is fair to say that he honoured that pledge to the fullest. 

The King’s loyalty to our Constitution and our laws was unwavering. 

As he put it in one of his new-year speeches: "Just as love is a foundation of human life, the Constitution is a foundation of the Norwegian nation." 

The idea of the rule of law and principles of justice and tolerance lay at the heart of his work. 

King Harald recognised the importance of having mechanisms that safeguard the values we hold dear – even in favourable times.

Marking the bicentenary of our Constitution in 2014, he articulated it as follows: 

"…[w]e cannot take for granted the rights conferred upon us by the Constitution. 

We must constantly strive to ensure that fundamental values such as freedom of expression and democracy are properly safeguarded. 

For these values take on different forms as time change, and we must be able to recognise them."

These words resonate particularly strongly today.

The King remained engaged with the world around him.

In one of his last New Year addresses, he reminded us that the international order we have long taken for granted is changing. 

He pointed to the ways in which democratic principles may come under pressure and rights may be eroded, even in societies marked by stability and trust.

At the same time, the King reminded us of the importance of seeing one another and of trying to understand the situation of others. 

He also expressed the hope that we would cherish our everyday democracy and remain committed to safeguarding it – together. 

These words capture much of what characterised King Harald.

A profound understanding of the democracy’s vulnerability.

And an equally profound faith in people's capacity to take responsibility.

King Harald held the Supreme Court and the judiciary in high regard as an independent branch of government and took a keen interest in the courts’ work and responsibilities.  

The King was present at important milestones in the history of the Supreme Court. 

The Supreme Court’s justices have also regularly had the honour and pleasure of personal contact with the King and other members of the Royal Family. 

Up close, we have witnessed his strength of character and his many remarkable qualities. His generosity, warmth and openness. His wisdom and rare ability to listen. His deep commitment to society and his extensive knowledge.

We have delighted in King Harald’s gentle smile, hearty laugh and witty remarks. 

King Harald worked closely with Her Majesty Queen Sonja.

Throughout a long life together, the King and Queen stood side by side in serving the country. Their ability to connect with people in both rural and urban communities was striking.

They showed compassion for people affected by crisis and grief. With humanity and unifying words, they offered comfort and support when the country needed it.

Today, the entire nation mourns alongside the Royal Family. 

We will remember King Harald with deep gratitude and great reverence. 

Our thoughts are with the King’s family, not least His Majesty King Haakon VIII who, while grieving the loss of a beloved father, has also been entrusted with new and important responsibilities. We wish King Haakon all the best as he takes on his new role.