There is a never-ending stream of people making their way along the main street, Karl Johan, towards the palace in central Oslo. The sea of flowers and the thousands of people gathering in front of the palace are evidence that King Harald was very popular in the country.
It hits hard. He was so clear that we are all welcome, that we are all part of Norway, in a very positive and nice way, says Solveig Sundby to TT's correspondent on site.
Right in front of the palace, by the enormous sea of flowers and grave candles, people stop, lay down a bouquet and stand in silence for a moment. Many of them are clearly affected by the news of the king's passing.
“Always been there”
Martin Smørsteen, 25, and Tobias Snildal Helgesen, 19, have dressed up in black suits to honor the king.
"It is out of respect for the king that we have dressed up a little extra. He has always been there, and now he is no longer there," says Martin Smørsteen with tears in his eyes and continues:
It's a void that such a constant figure, especially for us of this generation, is no longer there. He has always been there.
Andreas Beckelund says he feels heavy and sad.
Every time I think about him being gone, I get tears in my eyes, he says.
What everyone TT talks to has in common is that they emphasize that King Harald has been a unifying force and very popular. Andreas Beckelund believes that this is noticeable, given the large gathering of people who have made their way to the palace.
"I am touched by all the people who are here laying flowers," he says.
Mourning also in Sweden
Candles have been lit in the Norwegian Church in Stockholm and a photograph of King Harald is on display.
Kirsten Helene Jellum has traveled from Nacka outside Stockholm. On the way, she passed the Finland ferries and saw that both the Swedish and Norwegian flags were at half-mast.
"It was very moving. It shows that many here in Sweden share and respect our grief," she says.
She describes King Harald as a kind, warm and open father.
He was very inclusive and careful not to discriminate against anyone.
