Queen Mary reveals her special bond with Harald V in her first engagement after his death: “He was Norway’s grandfather”

Europe’s royal families are mourning the loss of a man who, for them, was a true role model. For thirty-five years, King Harald was the example that new generations of royals looked up to, a sovereign whose reign was defined, among other things, by the warmth and closeness he showed in each of his public appearances. His absence will be forever recorded in the pages of history and has unleashed a wave of emotion among today’s monarchies, who have not hesitated to express their feelings and their love for the late King.

It was Queen Mary, during one of her first engagements after his passing, who chose to speak from the heart to reveal the closeness she shared with Haakon of Norway’s father, a gesture that King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands has echoed from afar, continuing this tribute of affection.

Queen Mary of Denmark’s heartfelt words for the King

It’s no secret that the Scandinavian royal families share a deep affection for one another, a bond that has endured over the centuries and is often reflected in the history books that bring these ties to life today. On several occasions, King Harald V offered guidance to the then Crown Princess, now Queen of Denmark. “Harald was a very good person. It has always been a special pleasure to be in his company,” Mary of Denmark said, her emotion visible in her eyes.

She spoke these sincere words just before beginning the first official engagement on her schedule since the King’s death, which made the moment all the more symbolic. “I completely understand why he was known as Norway’s grandfather, because he always had eyes for everyone,” recalled the wife of Frederik X.

© RODRIGO FREITAS

With these words, she wanted to highlight the love the Norwegian people have shown their King in recent days. Outside Oslo’s Royal Palace, an immense garden of flowers has sprung up, growing day by day as a powerful symbol of the deep affection so many felt for the monarch. “I was able to experience that love myself: his great care and concern,” she said, fighting to hold back her emotions.

Speaking to the media, she also recalled her first meeting with the King, underscoring that the respect she felt for Harald went far beyond the fact that they shared the same position. At the same time, she extended her thoughts to the new sovereigns, Haakon VIII and Mette-Marit, “The new royal couple knows that our thoughts are with them during this time of change and that, of course, they have our full support.”

© Julien Hekimian

After these moving remarks, the Queen continued with her duties, taking part in the program organized for Denmark’s National Business Day, visiting companies and different locations to immerse herself in this period of innovation. Later, Frederik X’s wife presented the Danish Business Award 2026, putting the finishing touch on a day in which all words of affection were directed toward Norway’s Royal Court. With this gesture, Queen Mary once again strengthened those ties, sending all her love to the new court ahead of her trip.

As was confirmed just a few days ago, the King and Queen of Denmark will attend the State Funeral of Harald V of Norway on September 9, where they will be joined by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, as well as Princess Beatrix and Princess Amalia of the Netherlands, the King and Queen of Belgium, the entire Swedish royal family, and the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Japan, heirs to the Chrysanthemum Throne.