The Prince of Wales will attend the funeral of King Harald V of Norway in Oslo alongside global royals, according to Buckingham Palace. Prince William’s attendance follows the convention that the monarch does not usually go to the funeral of another head of state, with the prince representing his father King Charles.
Royal Attendees and International Delegations in Oslo
Prince William will be joined at the service by Princess Anne, who is attending in a personal capacity, as godmother to Norway’s new monarch, King Haakon VIII. Additional international representation includes King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, who can be seen boarding a shuttle which will take them to the Palace.
Other European royals are expected to join the new King, Haakon VIII, and the Norwegian royal family to bid farewell to the late monarch, alongside the widowed Queen Sonja.
Funeral Procession and Public Tributes
Large crowds are expected for the farewell to King Harald, with a funeral procession to be followed by a service at Oslo Cathedral. Sixty minutes before the late King Harald’s funeral procession commences, crowds numbering in the tens of thousands are already gathering along the path. The journey covers a distance of 1.5km (0.9 mi) between the royal palace and Oslo Cathedral. A multitude of citizens have formed queues inside the chapel of the Royal Palace, located within the Norwegian capital, to pay their final respects during the late king’s lying in state. King Harald V died at the age of 89, following a 35-year reign.
Did you know? King Harald V sat on the Norwegian throne for 35 years before his passing at the age of 89, earning a reputation as a popular, modernising figure.
Final Resting Place at Akershus Fortress
A private interment inside Norway’s royal mausoleum at the Akershus Fortress will take place subsequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is representing the British royal family at King Harald’s funeral?
Prince William is attending to represent his father King Charles, following the convention that the monarch does not usually go to the funeral of another head of state. Princess Anne is also attending in a personal capacity, who is godmother to Norway’s new monarch, King Haakon VIII.
Where will King Harald be buried?
Following the ceremony, a private interment will occur at the royal mausoleum situated within the Akershus Fortress in Norway.
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