Norway will bid its final farewell to King Harald V on Wednesday with a state funeral attended by royalty and leaders from across Europe and beyond, paying tribute to the popular monarch's 35-year reign. King Harald V died on Aug. 28 at the age of 89. He was Europe's oldest monarch and had modernized the royal house, notably refusing to abdicate.
His son, now King Haakon VIII, immediately ascended the throne and last week pledged an oath of allegiance to Norway's constitution in parliament. The funeral procession will carry King Harald V's coffin from the royal palace to Oslo Cathedral, followed by Haakon, other senior Norwegian royals, foreign guests, and representatives of Norway’s parliament and other institutions.
Ahead of the funeral, Norwegians lined up to file past King Harald V's coffin as it lay in state in the chapel of the royal palace in Oslo, with the queue reportedly reaching seven hours long over the weekend. Large crowds are expected in the capital for the ceremony, leading to road closures in the downtown area and instructions from police regarding prohibited items like bicycles and umbrellas.
Large screens have been erected throughout the city to allow the public to watch the funeral proceedings. Among the expected attendees are the monarchs of Sweden, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Jordan. The heir to the British throne, Prince William, and Crown Prince Akishino of Japan are also anticipated, alongside presidents from several European countries.
A nationwide minute of silence will be observed across Norway at the commencement of the funeral service. Eulogies are scheduled to be 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 in a procession to the palace chapel at Akershus Castle, the traditional burial site for the late king's ancestors. A private ceremony for the Norwegian royals, attended by some foreign guests and senior Norwegian officials, will precede the interment in the crypt.
Norway's monarchy traces its origins to King Harald Fairhair in the ninth century. In 1905, following a national plebiscite where three-quarters of voters approved the restoration of the monarchy, the current royal line was established. Today, the throne's role is largely symbolic, with governmental power residing with the elected government and parliament. The Norwegian royal family continues to play a role in promoting the Scandinavian nation internationally.