In brief
In a solemn tribute to a beloved ruler, Prince William is set to attend King Harald V’s funeral in Oslo, following diplomatic tradition. The event will feature a procession, a service at Oslo Cathedral, and a private burial at Akershus Fortress. Princess Anne will also be present as the godmother to King Haakon VIII. King Haakon’s televised speech highlighted his father’s legacy as a ‘people’s king,’ and King Charles praised Harald’s dedication in his own message. While William is in Norway, King Charles has returned to Scotland after meetings abroad.
The Prince of Wales will attend the funeral of King Harald V of Norway on Wednesday in Oslo, Buckingham Palace has announced. He will be representing his father, King Charles, following the diplomatic convention that the monarch does not usually attend the funeral of another head of state.
Princess Anne will also attend the service, in a personal capacity, as the godmother to Norway’s new king, Haakon VIII.
The funeral will feature a procession through Oslo followed by a service at Oslo Cathedral, after which the king will be buried privately in the royal mausoleum at Akershus Fortress. The event will draw large crowds, with many queuing at the Royal Palace Chapel to pay their respects.
King Haakon, who is newly crowned, delivered a heartfelt televised speech, calling his late father a “people’s king” who modernised the monarchy. His comments highlighted the king’s role in guiding Norway through change with warmth and humility.
King Charles also praised King Harald in his message, noting the late monarch’s unwavering dedication to his people.
While William is in Norway, King Charles has returned to Scotland after meeting the French president at the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition and will host a visit from the UK prime minister at Balmoral this weekend.
