On 9 September 2026, the Prince of Wales and Princess Anne graced the solemn state funeral of King Harald V of Norway in Oslo. This significant event saw the participation of numerous global dignitaries and was marked by a majestic procession through the city.
The Prince of Wales, representing his father King Charles III, adhered to an established royal convention wherein the British monarch seldom attends funerals of fellow heads of state. Historically, during her reign, the late Queen Elizabeth II attended only one such funeral—the service for King Baudouin of Belgium in 1993. At 44 years of age, Prince William carried out this duty, embodying the continuity of the British monarchy’s traditions.
Princess Anne, on the other hand, attended the funeral in her capacity as the godmother of the newly proclaimed King Haakon of Norway. At 76, she played a dual role in honouring her personal affection for the Norwegian royal family while also representing her own lineage.
A grand procession commenced from the Royal Palace, capturing the public’s attention as the King’s bier, which bore the late monarch’s coffin, moved toward Oslo Cathedral. Leading the procession was King Haakon, closely followed by his children, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. Meanwhile, the Queen and other members of the Norwegian royal family travelled in a designated royal vehicle, signifying the weight of the occasion.
The cathedral service, presided over by Bishop Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, included poignant remarks from notable figures, including Masud Gharahkhani, the President of the Storting, and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. These addresses highlighted King Harald’s remarkable life and dedication to the Norwegian people.
Among the congregation were several royal counterparts from across Europe, including King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, and King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, alongside many more dignitaries. Each guest bore witness to the profound respect paid to King Harald by his compatriots and international allies alike.
Following the service, plans were set for King Harald’s burial in the Royal Mausoleum at Akershus Fortress. Here, he would find eternal rest alongside notable predecessors, including King Haakon VII and Queen Maud. The royal family’s public appearance from the balcony of the Royal Palace, along with a subsequent reception for select guests, typified the ceremonial protocols embedded in this poignant occasion.
King Harald passed away on 28 August 2026, at the age of 89, after a prolonged hospitalization due to a rare blood condition. His health had reportedly been in decline prior to his admission to Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet. His death marked the end of a notable reign characterised by dedicated service to Norway and vital contributions to its modernisation.
In light of King Harald’s passing, King Charles III released a heartfelt tribute via social media, expressing his heavy sorrow as he labelled Harald as “a dear cousin.” He noted the late monarch’s steadfast commitment to his people, emphasising the warmth and humility that marked Harald’s leadership over his thirty-five years on the throne.
The funeral was a poignant reminder of the enduring connections between royal families across Europe, uniting nations in shared loss and remembrance. As the world reflects on the legacy of King Harald V, both the solemnity of the occasion and the presence of numerous royal representatives underline the significance of his contributions to Norway and to the international community.