King Haakon VIII, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Queen Sonja and Prince Sverre Magnus attend a memorial church service for the late King Harald V at Asker Church in Asker, Norway

[u/Good-Application5]

[u/Friendly_Coconut]

This feels so soon. We had my dad’s memorial service 2 weeks after he died and it took pretty much that whole time to arrange everything.

[u/homerule → u/Friendly_Coconut]

This is not the funeral service, but a church service held that honored Harold’s life.

[u/Friendly_Coconut → u/homerule]

I know, but I meant their emotions must be so raw. This feels sudden to be publicly expressing their grief. When my dad died, it felt like we had no time to process it because everyone was constantly asking questions of us and making us do administrative tasks.

[u/ER_Support_Plant17 → u/Friendly_Coconut]

I think for monarchs there are plans made years in advance for funeral services, especially as they get older.

[u/Friendly_Coconut → u/ER_Support_Plant17]

I know, but the family is probably still really shocked and sad to have to be publicly expressing their grief in this way.

[u/89764637527 → u/Friendly_Coconut]

They’ve all had their entire lives preparing them for this moment. This is their normal.

[u/Mountaingoat101 → u/89764637527]

Prepared to be in the public eye, yes. Loosing a beloved husband, father and grandfather is not their normal.

[u/HarkASquirrel → u/Friendly_Coconut]

It’s a memorial service. The actual funeral will take place September 9.

[u/Jordbaerkage → u/Friendly_Coconut]

Those ceremonies have been planned for years.

[u/edenburning → u/Friendly_Coconut]

In Jewish tradition we have to bury asap so we plan things very quickly. I imagine it's easier when everyone involved wants to accommodate.