Global leaders and royal figures from across Europe and the world converged in Oslo on September 9, 2026, for the funeral of King Harald V, marking the end of his 35-year reign. The ceremony was scheduled for 1 p.m. local time at Oslo Cathedral.
Ahead of the service, many royal attendees were seen arriving at Oslo's Grand Hotel. Among them were Spain's King Felipe and Queen Letizia, who arrived at Oslo Airport on September 8 and were later photographed entering the hotel. King Felipe was seen waving to cameras while dressed in a dark grey suit and carrying his own duffel bag.
Other notable arrivals included Luxembourg's former Grand Duke Henri, Princess Alexia of Greece, and Carlos Morales Quintana, who traveled by bus. Japan's Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko arrived by car. According to TV 2, many of these high-profile guests opted for shared transportation.
On September 8, a group including King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Grand Duke Henri, the Serbian Crown Prince couple, Prince Alois of Liechtenstein, Princess Alexia, and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece traveled together by bus to the palace.
King Harald V passed away on August 28 at the age of 89. He was Europe's oldest reigning monarch at the time of his death. His son, who is now King Haakon VIII, immediately ascended the throne and recently took an oath of allegiance to Norway's constitution in parliament. The new monarch will lead the procession following his father's coffin from the royal palace to Oslo Cathedral.
Foreign guests and senior Norwegian royals are expected to join the procession, alongside representatives from Norway's parliament. Attendees include The Netherlands' King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima, Princess Beatrix, and Princess Catherina-Amalia. Prince William and Princess Anne of the United Kingdom are also expected, as are Denmark's King Frederik, Queen Mary, Crown Prince Christian, and Princess Benedikte. The Swedish royal family will be represented by King Carl XVI Gustaf, Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Carl Philip, Princess Sofia, Princess Madeleine, and Princess Christina.
Leading up to the funeral, Norwegians queued for up to seven hours over the weekend to pay their respects as the King's coffin lay in state in the chapel of the royal palace in Oslo. A portrait of the late King was displayed in a shop window near Oslo Cathedral.
Large crowds were anticipated in Oslo for the funeral, prompting road closures in the downtown area. Police advised attendees against bringing bicycles, umbrellas, or sharp objects. Large screens were set up throughout the city for the public to watch the ceremony. Police were also visible in the streets.
A minute's silence was observed across Norway at the commencement of the funeral. Eulogies were delivered by Norway's parliament speaker and prime minister, followed by a candle-lighting ceremony involving representatives of various faiths. Following the funeral service, King Harald V's coffin will be transported to the palace chapel at Akershus Castle, where his ancestors are interred. A private ceremony for the Norwegian royals, joined by select foreign guests and senior Norwegian officials, will precede the lowering of the coffin into the crypt.
Norway's monarchy traces its lineage back to King Harald Fairhair in the ninth century. The monarchy was restored in 1905 following a national plebiscite after Norway regained independence from Sweden. Today, the monarchy holds a symbolic role, with governing power residing with the elected government and parliament, while the royal family continues to represent the nation internationally.