Norway on Wednesday bid a final farewell to King Harald V, remembering the late monarch as a modern and unifying figure whose long reign was marked by both national affection and controversy toward its end.
The funeral drew prominent international guests, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Britain’s Prince William, alongside European royals and other world leaders.
The funeral procession departed the Royal Palace at 12:00 p.m. (1000 GMT), carrying the king’s coffin on an artillery carriage. The casket was covered with Norway’s red royal banner and adorned with white flowers.
The procession travelled along Oslo’s main avenue toward the city’s Lutheran cathedral, where the funeral service was scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. A minute of silence was also observed across the country in honour of the late monarch.
King Harald V died on August 28 at the age of 89.
Royal Family Leads Funeral Procession
Norway’s royal family, led by the new King Haakon VIII, joined the procession on foot as they accompanied the late king on his final journey.
They were joined by foreign royals, heads of state and other dignitaries who travelled to Oslo to pay their respects.
King Harald’s widow, 89-year-old Queen Sonja, was among the few members of the immediate royal family to travel by car. New Queen Mette-Marit, who underwent a lung transplant in June, also followed the procession by vehicle.
The funeral came shortly after Haakon VIII assumed the throne following his father’s death, as thousands of Norwegians gathered to honour the late king.
International Dignitaries Attend
Norway’s royal palace announced the attendance of several members of foreign royal families and senior political figures.
Guests included Scandinavian royal families, royal couples from Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as Japan’s crown prince.
The presidents of Finland and Germany were also expected to attend, along with the prime ministers of France and Thailand.
Mette-Marit’s Son Granted Permission to Attend
Marius Borg Høiby, Queen Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship, was also permitted to attend the funeral.
Høiby is currently under house arrest while awaiting an appeal following his conviction for rape and assault.
King Harald’s funeral brought together Norway’s royal family and international dignitaries for a final ceremony honouring a monarch who remained a prominent figure in the country for decades.
