Norwegian Royal Family ends mourning and updates on royal activities

The Norwegian Royal Family is transitioning out of a period of official mourning following the death of King Harald V on August 28. King Haakon VIII and his family, who had largely withdrawn from public life for six weeks, are expected to resume more frequent public appearances starting October 9.

In related developments, Prince Sverre Magnus, the 20-year-old son of King Haakon VIII and Queen Mette-Marit, has begun a Business Management degree at the selective Forward College in Lisbon. Breaking with the tradition of military service observed by his sister, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, the Prince is focusing on his academic studies. His curriculum is designed to span three European cities, including Lisbon, Paris, and Berlin.

Meanwhile, public debate continues in Norway regarding the royal family's state funding. A recent survey shows a divided population concerning the approximately 13.5 million Norwegian kroner (roughly 1.255 million euros) provided as an allowance to King Haakon and Queen Mette-Marit, with opinions split nearly evenly between those who find the amount excessive and those who consider it justified.