World leaders and royalty from across the globe came together on September 9, 2026, in Oslo to honour the life of King Harald V of Norway at his state funeral. The event attracted a multitude of dignity figures, including various European monarchs and heads of state, all gathered to pay their respects to the late king.
The funeral service, held at the Oslo Cathedral, began with a solemn procession from the Royal Palace. Among those in attendance were Prince William, who represented his father, King Charles III, in line with the long-standing tradition that British monarchs seldom attend the funerals of other heads of state. Prince William was accompanied by his sister, Princess Anne, as well as royals from several other countries, including those from Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium.
European royalty including King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, and King Carl XVI Gustaf and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden were also present, alongside Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko from Japan, and King Abdullah and Queen Rania of Jordan among many others.
Significantly, King Charles did not attend the service. Instead, Prince William’s presence reflected the royal customs that have prevailed for decades; during her lengthy reign, Queen Elizabeth II made only one exception by attending the funeral of King Baudouin of Belgium in 1993. Similarly, Princess Anne attended King Harald’s service in her capacity as godmother to the new King Haakon VI, further underlining the ties of family that bind these royal households.
The funeral procession drew an estimated 200,000 mourners who gathered along the route to the cathedral, demonstrating the high regard in which King Harald was held. The procession featured the king’s bier, carrying his coffin, followed closely by his eldest son, Crown Prince Haakon, and members of the royal family. Accompanying them were individuals from various royal courts, as well as foreign heads of state, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Inside the cathedral, the service was officiated by the Presiding Bishop Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit. The service also featured remarks from Masud Gharahkhani, the President of the Storting, and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, underscoring the king’s role not just as a monarch, but as a central figure in Norwegian public life.
Following the service, King Harald was to be laid to rest in the Royal Mausoleum at Akershus Fortress, alongside members of the royal family, including King Haakon VII and Queen Maud. This final resting place is storied within Norwegian history, providing a fitting home for those who have served the kingdom.
King Harald, who passed away on August 28 at the ripe age of 89 after a brief illness, was remembered fondly. His passing followed nearly two weeks in hospital due to a rare blood condition. In response to the news, King Charles had issued a heartfelt tribute on social media, expressing his profound sadness and commending King Harald’s dedication and leadership over a significant period.
The connections between European royals were also highlighted during this event. Many contemporary royal families share entwined bloodlines, an outcome of historic alliances forged in the 19th century. Indeed, both King Harald and Queen Elizabeth II were second cousins through their familial ties, a fact that underscored the deep-rooted relationships within Europe’s monarchies.
In closing, the funeral not only served as a tribute to King Harald V’s exceptional reign but also as a reminder of the enduring legacy of royal connections in Europe. As the final farewells were made, the presence of so many dignitaries reflected his impact and memory, ensuring that his contributions to Norway would not be forgotten.