It’s funeral for Norways 🇳🇴 king Harald in Oslo today. it’s an all time display of national sorrow, respect and patriotism. The last few days we have been through an upsurge of national feelings and patriotism in Norway,  not seen since the end of the Second World War. People have been weeping, sharing their experiences with the king, coming together in sorrow - but also welcoming his son King Haakon the 8th. The King is dead - long live the King. It may be difficult for foreigners to understand the Norwegians devotion to our Kings. In a few respects our monarchy truly stands out. It’s probably more popular than any other monarchy in the world. The kings have gone out of their way to yes be elevated, but of the people at the same time. Most monarchies historically were conservative, sometimes right wing institutions. The Norwegian monarchy has if anything had a liberal bent. That is because it came out of our struggle for independence from Sweden in 1905, a movement led by liberal forces. The monarchy also ingrained itself with our people as the national symbol of resistance to the German occupation. King Haakon 7 had studied Hitler and taken a tough stand at a time when most European royals had a soft spot for the nazis. Haakon 7th, king Haralds grandfather,  was also very wise understanding the power of the labor movement. He once famously said “I am also the King of the communists”. In later years the monarchy has symbolized modern causes like inclusiveness to immigrants and sexual minorities, uplifting of the Sami nation, women’s freedom and the environment. King Harald was an avid fisherman and hunter, as well as environmentalist. He once went to Brazil and slept in an Amazon jungle hammock, living with the Yanomami tribe. In the 21s century the forces of fragmentation are strong in all societies - we support different political parties, go to different churches and temples, eat different food and follow personalized agendas on our screens. Sports and the monarchy are the two most important forces of glue in Norway today. And indeed - sports was king Haralds biggest passion.  King Haralds death came right after Norways rowing success in football World Cup. It created a unique window of patriotism. Our sports stars - Erling Haaland and others - are the most famous Norwegians of all times.  The monarchy is our uniting force at home and in the world. No Presidency can ever provide the same glue. Our royal family gives strength to a positive patriotism!