Norway Bids Farewell to King Harald V at State Funeral
Norway holds a state funeral for King Harald V, attended by European royals and dignitaries, after his death at 89.
Oslo is hosting a state funeral on Wednesday for King Harald V, who died on August 28 at the age of 89. The ceremony brings together monarchs and leaders from across Europe and beyond to honor a ruler who spent 35 years on the throne.
Harald was Europe's oldest reigning monarch at the time of his death. He modernized the Norwegian royal house but chose not to abdicate, unlike several other aging European monarchs in recent years. His son has already ascended as King Haakon VIII and pledged allegiance to the constitution in parliament last week.
The day's events began with the coffin being moved from the royal palace to Oslo Cathedral in a procession. King Haakon, senior Norwegian royals, foreign guests, and parliamentary representatives followed the cortege.
Public mourning has been extensive. Norwegians waited in queues up to seven hours over the weekend to pay respects as the late king lay in state at the palace chapel. Large crowds are expected in the capital, where authorities have closed downtown areas to vehicles and scooters. Police have advised against bringing bicycles, umbrellas, or sharp objects, and large screens have been set up for public viewing.
Among the dignitaries attending are the monarchs of Sweden, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Jordan. Britain's Prince William and Japan's Crown Prince Akishino are also present, along with several European presidents.
A nationwide minute of silence will mark the start of the funeral. Eulogies are scheduled from the parliament speaker and prime minister, followed by an interfaith candle-lighting ceremony.
Following the service, the coffin will be taken to Akershus Castle for a private ceremony with the royal family and select officials, then lowered into the crypt where Harald's ancestors are buried.
Norway's monarchy dates back to King Harald Fairhair in the ninth century. After independence from Sweden in 1905, a national plebiscite saw three-quarters of voters approve restoring the monarchy. Today, the throne is largely symbolic, with governing power held by the elected parliament, though the royal family continues to promote Norway internationally.