Oslo marked the final farewell to King Harald V on September 9, as the late monarch’s coffin was carried through the capital in a funeral procession attended by numerous European royals, international leaders, and thousands of citizens. Harald, who passed away on August 28 at the age of 89, was Europe’s oldest reigning monarch, having served Norway for 35 years.
The funeral began with a 21-gun salute over Oslo, followed by a procession from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral. King Haakon VIII, Harald’s son and successor, led the procession alongside senior members of the royal family. Harald’s widow, Queen Sonja, and Queen Mette-Marit, wife of King Haakon, followed in a vehicle behind the coffin, which was draped with the red Norwegian royal standard.
Royal guests included King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, King Felipe VI of Spain, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, King Harald’s contemporaries from Denmark, Belgium, Luxembourg, Monaco, and Jordan, as well as Prince William, heir to the British throne, and Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino. Political figures attending included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, along with leaders from over twenty countries.
After the procession, Harald was laid to rest at the royal mausoleum within the garrison church at Akershus Fortress. This crypt also houses the remains of earlier Norwegian monarchs, including Harald’s grandparents King Haakon VII and Queen Maud, and his parents King Olav V and Crown Princess Märtha. A private burial ceremony took place with close family and state dignitaries present.
Large crowds lined the streets of Oslo, with authorities estimating 25,000 to 30,000 people gathered in the central square to pay their respects. Throughout the week leading to the funeral, over 46,000 people had visited the chapel at the Royal Palace where Harald lay in state. Many Norwegians joined in collective mourning by attending public viewings of the funeral, with screens set up in churches, libraries, and cultural centers nationwide.
Ahead of the ceremony, security measures included road closures and restrictions on certain items to maintain order. The government did not declare the funeral day an official holiday, but schools and workplaces had the option to allow participation or viewing of the service.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre delivered a eulogy honoring Harald’s dedication to Norway, highlighting his leadership during significant national moments, including the aftermath of the 2011 terrorist attacks in Oslo and on Utøya island. Støre remarked, “On behalf of the Norwegian people, I say: Thank you for everything,” and extended his support to the new king with the words, “Long live the King.”
Following the service, members of the royal family appeared on the balcony of the Royal Palace, greeted by sustained applause from the assembled public. Queen Sonja, visibly moved and with tears in her eyes, acknowledged the crowd by placing her hand over her heart alongside her family.
King Harald V’s death marked the end of an era, with his son King Haakon VIII formally taking the throne and pledging allegiance to Norway’s constitution. The funeral underscored Harald’s legacy as a monarch who modernized the royal house while maintaining a close connection with the Norwegian people.