European Royals Gather in Oslo for King Harald V's State Funeral
Norway will hold a state funeral for the late King Harald V on September 9, featuring a large security operation and attendance by numerous European monarchs and heads of state.
Oslo will host the state funeral of Norway’s King Harald V on September 9, marking the largest security deployment in the country’s history. The ceremony will begin with a military-led procession from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral, where the coffin will be received at 1:00 p.m. and a funeral mass conducted under the Church of Norway’s rites.
The service, led by Bishop Olav Fykse Tveit, will include choral music and a minute of silence observed nationwide. Norway’s president of the Storting and the prime minister are scheduled to deliver speeches, followed by a candlelight vigil with representatives of various faiths.
A wide array of European royalty is expected, including the kings and queens of Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, and Sweden, as well as the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, Prince William and Princess Anne representing the United Kingdom, and Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko from Japan. Serbian Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine will also attend.
After the cathedral service, the coffin will be moved to Akershus Castle Church for a private ceremony with the royal family and Nordic leaders, before being interred in the royal crypt alongside previous monarchs.