European Royals Pay Last Respects to Norway’s King Harald V

Wed Sep 09 2026 19:12:58 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A multinational gathering of royals and heads of state marked the funeral of Norway's King Harald V, as the nation mourned the ruler.

In Oslo, a royal funeral drawn thousands of mourners and the presence of European, Nordic, and global leaders underscored King Harald V’s enduring legacy. The procession moved from the royal palace to Oslo Cathedral, after which the new King Haakon and his family greeted crowds from the palace balcony. Minutes of silence across Norway honored the late monarch’s balanced blend of tradition and modernity. A poignant moment was interrupted by a mobile phone alarm during the cathedral ceremony. Four F‑35 jets formed a "missing man" salute as the casket was transported to Akershus Fortress for a private burial with the royal family and visiting dignitaries.

Dozens of European royals and heads of state, including the Prince of Wales and three Nordic kings, paid last respects to King Harald V in Oslo.

Thousands lined the route during a funeral procession from the royal palace to Oslo Cathedral, nearly two weeks after the king died aged 89.

After the ceremony and burial, the Norwegian royal family—King Haakon, Queen Mette‑Marit, Queen Sonja and the new king’s grandchildren—greeted crowds from the palace balcony.

A minute’s silence was observed nationwide as mourners remembered Harald, who was seen as a popular, modernising figure on the Norwegian throne for 35 years.

The daily procession began at Akershus Fortress with ceremonial troops assembled, followed by the family walking with the coffin and later by family members in car.

Prince William, representing King Charles III, attended alongside the Princess Royal, a personal attendee to the ceremony, as part of the 30 royal figures present from Sweden, Jordan, Monaco, Belgium, Spain, Japan and Denmark.

Non‑royal heads of state present included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German President Frank‑Walter Steinmeier, who walked alongside the coffin.

During the service, Queen Mette‑Marit dabbled tears, while Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre delivered a eulogy highlighting the king’s balance of stateliness and approachability.

A brief mobile phone alarm interrupted the cathedral’s three bell tolls marking the end of the minute’s silence.

Following the cathedral service, four F‑35 fighter jets flew over the cathedral in a “missing man” formation, and the casket was carried to the Palace Chapel at Akershus Fortress where a private ceremony included the royal family and foreign dignitaries.

Flags across Oslo were raised from half‑mast to the top to mark the burial’s conclusion, after which the royal family returned to the palace and were greeted by tens of thousands of people on the balcony.