Norway's King Harald V Laid to Rest in Royal Funeral

Norway is preparing to bid a final farewell to King Harald V on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, with a state funeral in Oslo attended by European royals and foreign dignitaries. The 89-year-old monarch, who died on August 28 after a 35-year reign, was Europe's oldest reigning king and a unifying figure who modernized the royal house. The funeral procession is scheduled to begin at midday from the royal palace, with the casket carried on an artillery carriage to Oslo Cathedral. A nationwide minute of silence will mark the start of the church ceremony at 13:00 local time. Following the service, the king will be laid to rest in the royal crypt at Akershus Fortress, overlooking Oslo harbor, concluding 13 days of national mourning. A significant number of international guests are expected to pay their respects. Among them are Britain's Prince William, representing his father, and Princess Anne. Japan's Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, Spain's royal couple, and the royal families of Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Jordan are also slated to attend, alongside heads of state from several European countries.