Britain’s Prince William will attend the funeral of Norway’s King Harald V next week in place of his father, King Charles III, Buckingham Palace announced on Saturday, as Norway prepares for a state farewell to its late monarch.
The Prince of Wales is set to represent his father at the funeral on 9 September in Oslo, having previously stood in for the king at the funeral of Pope Francis last year.
Who was King Harald V of Norway?
Harald died on 28 August at the age of 89, having reigned as King of Norway for 35 years since 1991. He was widely regarded in Norway as a unifying figure and an enthusiastic yachtsman, having competed for his country at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. His son has since acceded to the throne as King Haakon, with Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra now first in the line of succession.
Why won’t King Charles attend in person?
Buckingham Palace said William would travel to Oslo in keeping with long-standing royal convention, under which reigning British monarchs generally do not attend the funerals of other heads of state, instead sending a senior family member to represent them. Charles, 77, who continues to be treated for an undisclosed form of cancer while maintaining a full schedule of public engagements, is not expected to make the trip himself.
What has King Charles said about his late cousin?
Charles released a statement last week mourning the loss of his “dear cousin,” praising Harald for the manner in which he had served his people throughout his reign. The two monarchs were second cousins once removed, both descended from Britain’s King Edward VII, a connection that has underpinned a warm relationship between the British and Norwegian royal houses across several generations.
Who else is expected to attend the funeral?
Norway’s funeral is expected to draw a significant gathering of European royalty. Sweden’s royal family is due to attend in force, including King Carl Gustaf, Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria and several other senior members of the Swedish house. Royal representatives from the Netherlands, Denmark and Belgium have also confirmed their attendance, reflecting the close ties between Europe’s remaining monarchies.
What will the funeral involve?
According to details shared by the palace, the funeral procession in Oslo will be followed by a service at Oslo Cathedral, after which Harald will be laid to rest in a private burial at the royal mausoleum within Akershus Fortress, the resting place of several generations of Norway’s royal family. Large crowds are expected to gather in the Norwegian capital to pay their respects as the procession makes its way through the city.
What does this moment mean for Norway’s monarchy?
Harald’s death and King Haakon’s accession mark a significant transition for a monarchy that has remained a stable and popular institution in Norwegian public life throughout Harald’s long reign. As mourners and visiting dignitaries gather in Oslo next week, the funeral is expected to serve both as a farewell to a widely respected king and as an early moment in the public life of Norway’s new monarch.
