Queen Sonja's final red rose for King Harald leaves Oslo Cathedral in tears

Queen Sonja stepped forward to bid deeply personal farewell to King Harald V in Oslo Cathedral.

But it was Queen Sonja’s final gesture that appeared to capture the sorrow of the day.

With one red rose and a quiet goodbye, she paid tribute to the man who had been her husband and partner through decades of royal life.

Dressed in mourning black and wearing a traditional veil, the Queen approached the velvet-covered catafalque before gently placing a single red rose on top of the late King’s coffin. 

Sonja was not alone as she entered the cathedral. Her son, King Haakon, was at her side, offering his mother a gentle touch of support as they made their way into the ceremony. 

The poignant moment reflected the changing roles within Norway’s royal family as Haakon stood beside his grieving mother as the new monarch.

Earlier in the day, the Queen had appeared visibly emotional while travelling in the funeral procession alongside Queen Mette-Marit. 

The emotion continued inside the cathedral, where several members of the royal family were seen wiping away tears during the service.

Mette-Marit and Durek Verrett were among those overcome with emotion, while the service also included a touching tribute from Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria. 

Standing before the congregation, Victoria paid her respects to the late Norwegian King in a moving moment that underlined the close ties between Europe’s royal families.