Norway held a solemn state funeral for King Harald V in Oslo on September 9, with tens of thousands of people lining the streets to pay their final respects to the monarch. The 89-year-old king died on August 28 after more than three decades on the throne. The funeral procession moved from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral, accompanied by military honours and cannon fire from Akershus Fortress.
The ceremony was attended by royal families, heads of state and senior political leaders from more than 20 countries. Among those present were Britain’s Prince William, Japan’s Crown Prince, and several European monarchs and leaders. A nationwide moment of silence was also observed as Norway came together to honour a king widely remembered for his approachable personality and close connection with the public.
Following the funeral service, King Harald’s coffin was taken to Akershus Fortress, where he was laid to rest in the royal mausoleum alongside members of Norway’s royal family. His son, King Haakon VIII, has now succeeded him on the Norwegian throne, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Norwegian monarchy.