A solemn gathering of European royalty and international dignitaries took place in Oslo as they came together to honor the late King Harald V of Norway. The city was filled with thousands of mourners who lined the streets to witness the funeral procession from the royal palace to Oslo Cathedral, marking nearly two weeks since the king passed away at the age of 89.
The Farewell Ceremony
The Norwegian royal family, led by the new monarch King Haakon, alongside Queen Mette-Marit and Queen Sonja, greeted the public from the palace balcony following the ceremony and burial. The nation observed a minute of silence to pay their respects to the beloved king, who was known for his modernizing influence during his 35-year reign.
As part of the day’s events, ceremonial troops assembled at Akershus Fortress, where the late king was laid to rest. The procession included King Haakon, Princess Märtha Louise, and their children, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, who accompanied the king’s coffin. Queen Sonja and Queen Mette-Marit, who recently recovered from a lung transplant, followed in a car.
International Attendance
Among the international attendees were Prince William, representing King Charles III, as well as the Princess Royal. The funeral drew royal figures from Sweden, Jordan, Monaco, Belgium, Spain, Japan, and Denmark. Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier were present, along with five foreign prime ministers.
During the funeral service, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre delivered a heartfelt eulogy, emphasizing King Harald’s ability to balance stateliness with approachability. Queen Sonja, visibly moved, placed a red rose on the coffin, while a moment of silence was briefly interrupted by a mobile phone alarm.
Personal Tributes and Challenges
Following King Harald’s passing, King Haakon VIII expressed gratitude for his father’s guidance, praising his steadfast values. Despite his revered status, the king’s final months were marked by family scandals. Documents surfaced regarding Queen Mette-Marit’s past associations with Jeffrey Epstein, and her son, Marius Borg Høiby, faced legal challenges. Høiby, under house arrest pending appeal, attended the funeral.
The service concluded with a flyover by four F-35 fighter jets in a “missing man” formation. King Harald’s casket was then taken to the Palace Chapel at Akershus Fortress for a private ceremony, where he was interred alongside his father King Olav V and other family members.
Community Support and Final Farewell
As a symbol of closure, Norwegian flags in Oslo were raised from half-mast after the burial. The royal family returned to the palace, where they appeared on the balcony to thank the public for their support since the king’s death on August 28. The gathering of tens of thousands outside the palace was a testament to the profound impact King Harald had on the nation.
