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Queen Sonja of Norway, the widow of the late King Harald V, has been officially removed from the list of members of the Royal House of Norway. Following a formal update by the Norwegian court, the 89-year-old former Queen Consort is now categorized under the section for the "rest of the royal family." This administrative shift marks a significant change in her official standing within the monarchy following the passing of her husband in August.
As part of this reclassification, Queen Sonja will no longer be addressed with the formal title of "Majesty." The Norwegian court’s official records now list King Haakon VIII and his immediate family as the sole members of the Royal House. This restructuring clarifies the core active members of the reigning household, distinguishing the immediate family of the current monarch from the broader extended royal family.
The transition follows the accession of King Haakon VIII to the throne. Under Norwegian royal protocol, the designation of the "Royal House" is specifically reserved for the monarch and the immediate line of succession. By moving to the "rest of the royal family" category, Sonja follows the established precedent for non-reigning members of the dynasty, despite her decades of service alongside King Harald V.
While she remains a prominent and respected figure within the Norwegian royal lineage, her official duties and formal recognition have been adjusted to align with the new reign. The update to the court's website ensures that the official administrative structure of the monarchy accurately reflects the current status of its members under King Haakon VIII’s leadership.