Prince William will represent his father, King Charles, at the funeral of King Harald V of Norway in Oslo on Wednesday. Princess Anne will also attend the service in a personal capacity.
King Harald, who reigned for 35 years and was known as a modernizing figure, died last month at the age of 89. Royal sources indicated that Prince William's attendance follows the convention where the reigning monarch typically does not attend the funeral of another head of state.
Large crowds are anticipated for the farewell ceremony on September 9. A funeral procession will precede a service at Oslo Cathedral. Thousands have already queued to pay their respects to the late king during his lying in state at the Royal Palace chapel in the Norwegian capital. Mourners have queued to pay their respects to the late King Harald in Oslo. IMAGE2
Joining Prince William at the funeral will be Queen Sonja, members of the Norwegian royal family including the new monarch King Haakon VIII, and other European royals. Following the service, King Harald will be laid to rest in a private burial at Norway's royal mausoleum in Akershus Fortress.