World Leaders Gather in Oslo for King Harald's Funeral
King Harald V's funeral in Oslo draws royals and presidents, with a minute of silence and gun salutes.
Oslo is hosting the state funeral of King Harald V, with ceremonial troops assembling at Akershus Fortress early in the day before marching to line the procession route. The coffin will leave the Royal Palace at 1000 GMT for Oslo Cathedral, accompanied by a 21-gun salute fired at 30-second intervals.
The ceremony at Oslo Cathedral begins at 1100 GMT, during which Norway will observe a minute of silence. After the service, a smaller procession will take the bier to Akershus Fortress, where a private ceremony will be held in the mausoleum beneath Akershus Castle Church. Flags will be raised to full mast at 1320 GMT, followed by a double royal salute—two rounds of 21 shots with a five-second gap—from nine salute stations nationwide. A reception for invited guests will follow at the Royal Palace.
Among the attendees are numerous European royals, including Britain's Prince William and Princess Anne, Sweden's King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia, Denmark's King Frederik and Queen Mary, Spain's King Felipe and Queen Letizia, and the Netherlands' King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. Also present are leaders from Finland, Iceland, Germany, Poland, and several other nations, along with foreign ministers and ambassadors from countries such as Iran, Vietnam, and Mexico. Pope Francis is represented by Cardinal Christophe Pierre.
Media coverage is being provided through a pool arrangement with NRK, with restrictions on social media use and a deadline of 9 October 2026 for republication.