In brief
The funeral of Norway's King Harald V, who reigned for 35 years, drew dozens of European royals and heads of state, including the Prince of Wales, Denmark’s King, Sweden’s King, and Ukrainian President Zelensky. The procession from the royal palace to Oslo Cathedral was followed by a service at the cathedral, a brief minute’s silence, and the burial at Akershus Fortress. After the state funeral, the Norwegian royal family—new King Haakon, Queen Mette‑Marit, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Prince Sverre Magnus and Queen Sonja—greeted the public from the palace balcony, underscoring the nation’s gratitude for support during recent family scandals.
The funeral of Norway’s King Harald V took place on Wednesday afternoon, with King Harald, who died on 28 August at the age of 89, laid to rest at Oslo Cathedral. A procession from the royal palace to the cathedral was attended by thousands of mourners, their heads bowed in respectful silence.
The cortege was accompanied by members of the Norwegian royal family: new King Haakon, his wife Queen Mette‑Marit, his sister Princess Märtha Louise, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. Mette‑Marit, who had recently undergone a lung transplant, was visibly emotional during the service, while Queen Sonja laid a red rose beside the king’s coffin.
European royalty and state leaders gathered in large numbers. The Prince of Wales, representing King Charles III, was present alongside Princess Anne, who serves as Haakon’s godmother. Other dignitaries included Denmark’s King Frederik X, Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf, and Finnish President Sauli Niinistö. A total of 30 royal figures from Sweden, Jordan, Monaco, Belgium, Spain, Japan and Denmark were in attendance.
Non-royal heads of state also attended, such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German President Frank‑Walter Steinmeier. Their presence reflected the international support for Norway in the wake of the king’s death.
After the service, a formation of four F‑35 fighter jets flew over the cathedral in a "missing man" salute. The casket was transferred to the Palace Chapel at Akershus Fortress for a private burial ceremony. The Norwegian flag was raised from half‑mast to full height in honour of the king.
In a gesture of appreciation, the royal family appeared on the palace balcony to greet tens of thousands of visitors who had gathered outside. King Haakon, Queen Mette‑Marit, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Prince Sverre Magnus and Queen Sonja waved, marking the end of the mourning period and the beginning of a new chapter for the Norwegian monarchy.
