Queen Sonja reclassified in Norwegian Royal House restructuring

Following the death of King Harald V on August 28, 2026, the Norwegian Royal House has implemented a significant institutional restructuring. Under the new reign of King Haakon VIII, the official definition of the 'Royal House' has been narrowed to include only the reigning monarch, their spouse, and the immediate heirs.

As a result, Queen Sonja, 89, has been reclassified on the official website as a member of the 'other members of the Royal Family' rather than the core Royal House. She has also lost the formal title of 'Her Majesty' within Norway, though she may still be addressed as such in international, particularly Anglophone, contexts. This change has drawn attention from historians and the public, with some viewing the shift in protocol as a notable change in the monarchy's public presentation.

Queen Sonja has recently resumed official duties, marking her first public appearance since the mourning period ended. This included a visit to the National Archives in Oslo to view thousands of letters, drawings, and messages of condolence left by citizens following King Harald's passing. Additionally, she is scheduled to undertake her first official foreign trip to Málaga, Spain, in late October to attend an exhibition opening.