On Wednesday, Norway’s King Harald V was laid to rest in a series of solemn ceremonies that marked the end of 13 days of national mourning following his death at 89. The funeral began at 1200 local time with a foot procession from the royal palace to Oslo Cathedral, punctuated by cannon fire from Akershus fortress. Tens of thousands lined Karl Johan Avenue, falling silent as the coffin passed.
At 1300, a church service commenced with a nationwide minute of silence. Guests included Britain’s Prince William and Princess Anne, Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino, Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia, Sweden’s royal family, Denmark’s King Frederik and Queen Mary, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who marched in the procession after meeting the prime minister. The United States was represented by Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker.
Queen Mette‑Marit, 53, travelled by car with Queen Sonja, 89, and her son Marius Borg Hoiby—who was under house arrest—served as a pall‑bearer during the transfer to the royal chapel. After the service, four F‑35 fighter jets flew overhead, one breaking away to symbolically mark the king’s passing. A smaller procession, set to Chopin’s Funeral March, carried the coffin to the royal crypt at Akershus Fortress, where it will rest beside Harald’s parents.
Police said the event was the largest planned operation in their history, with school children allowed to skip classes to attend. “He had meant so much for me and my family and for the whole country as an institution that brings us respect,” said Elisabeth Kallevik Nesheim, 66, who travelled from the west coast. The monarchy remains popular, with 72% of Norwegians supporting it according to a recent poll.
