King Harald V of Norway will be laid to rest on Wednesday, September 9, at Oslo Cathedral, the Norwegian Palace announced Sunday evening. The late monarch, who ruled for 35 years, died Friday at age 89 following a hospital admission for hemolytic anemia. The funeral service is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. and will be led by Olav Fykse Tveit, president of the Church of Norway. Dignitaries and royalty from around the world are expected to attend.

Harald, a cousin of King Charles III, was pronounced dead at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet at 6:35 a.m. on August 28. His passing was announced by the Royal Court with a statement expressing deep sorrow. He is survived by his wife, Queen Sonja, and was succeeded by his 53-year-old son, King Haakon VIII.

Tributes and Succession

Norway's new King Haakon VIII delivered his first official address to the nation on Saturday, describing his father as "such a good father" and a "loving and thoughtful husband." He spoke of missing his father's laughter and his good-natured approach to people and situations. "As king, my father represented Norway and the Norwegian people with pride and joy," Haakon said, reflecting on Harald's guidance through visits across the country, royal events, and international work.

Thousands of mourners have paid tribute to King Harald since his death was announced. On Friday, crowds gathered in Oslo, placing flowers, flags, and condolence cards outside the Royal Palace. Flags have flown at half-mast nationwide, and portraits of the late king have been displayed publicly. Churches and city halls have opened to allow citizens to light candles and sign condolence books.

King Charles III of the United Kingdom extended his "deepest and most heartfelt condolences" to the Norwegian Royal Family, remembering Harald as a "much-loved kinsman and friend" whose "kindness, compassion and deep sense of duty echoed from across the sea and across the decades." The two monarchs were second cousins once removed.

Royal Family Developments

King Haakon VIII and his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, have two children: Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 20. Princess Ingrid Alexandra is now second in line to the throne, potentially becoming Norway's first female monarch in over 600 years.

Recent months have seen scrutiny surrounding Crown Princess Mette-Marit. She faced intense attention following the release of the Epstein Files, which indicated she stayed at Jeffrey Epstein's residence in 2013, after his conviction for soliciting sex from minors. The Crown Princess stated she had been misled by Epstein.

Further controversy arose in June when Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, was convicted on two counts of rape and sentenced to four years in prison. An Oslo court also found him guilty of assaulting a former girlfriend and committing traffic offenses, though he was acquitted of two other rape charges. Høiby, who does not hold a royal title, grew up associated with the Norwegian Royal Family.

Princess Märtha Louise, King Harald's eldest daughter, and her husband, Durek Verrett, are also preparing for a second reality television show. Their previous series, "Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story," offered a personal look at their relationship. Princess Märtha Louise relinquished her royal role in November 2022, and she and Verrett have spoken about controversial views on health and past-life connections.