"King Harald's Coffin"… Eco-Friendly! - Sarmad

The Norwegian Royal Palace revealed details about the coffin of King Harald V, who died on August 28. The king lies in a casket crafted from a rock shaped like a ship, capable of absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂).

According to a statement issued by the Royal Palace, the two-part coffin, housed in the royal crypt at Akershus Castle, is made of olivine, an olive-green stone dating back approximately 400 million years from western Norway.

The statement, reported by the French Press Agency (AFP), noted that “olivine is capable of absorbing and sequestering carbon dioxide, a feature the coffin’s designers embraced as a symbol of King Harald and Queen Sonja’s concern for nature and future generations.”

The olive-green coffin is shaped like a ship with a rounded hull, symbolizing Harald’s passion for the sea and ancient landmarks, particularly those from the Viking era.

King Harald had jokingly remarked about his coffin during its design process: “I hope it’s comfortable… because the stay will last a while.”

The casket, which cost 20 million Norwegian kroner (approximately $2.12 million), was placed alongside the coffins of King Haakon VII, Harald’s grandfather and founder of the current royal dynasty, and his wife, Queen Maud, as well as those of his father, King Olav V, and his mother, Queen Martha.