Condolence Book for King Harald V of Norway in St Magnus Cathedral

Orkney Islands Council has opened a book of condolences in memory of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway, who died on 28 August 2026 at the age of 89.

Orkney’s relationship with Norway dates back to the early Norse settlement of the islands in the late 8th century and has remained a defining part of the county’s history and identity ever since. This historic connection was further strengthened through Orkney’s twinning agreement with Vestland County in 1983 and is celebrated each year through events marking Norwegian Constitution Day.

King Harald visited Orkney on 7 July 1994, and in 2017 the then Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Metter-Marit, now King and Queen of Norway, returned to the islands for the 900^th anniversary commemorations of the death of St Magnus.

Members of the public wishing to pay their respects can sign a book of condolence at St Magnus Cathedral from today. Messages of condolence can also be sent by email to emb.london@mfa.no.

The book of condolences will close, and signing will end at 12 pm Wednesday 9 September, to coincide with the King’s funeral.

Further to this, the Norwegian flag will fly at half-mast from Kirkwall Town Hall on the day of the funeral as a mark of respect.

Orkney Islands Council Convener, Graham Bevan said: "Orkney has always felt fortunate to share such strong and lasting ties with Norway - a true friendship built over many generations. It's a relationship that many Orcadians feel personally, and on behalf of Orkney, our deepest condolences go to our friends and neighbours in this difficult time."