Norway bids farewell to King Harald V as ‘grandfather’ of the nation’s casket arrives at Oslo Cathedral

Norway bids farewell to King Harald V in Oslo

Poinews.com – Norway bids farewell to King Harald V as the country marks the funeral of its longtime monarch in Oslo. King Harald died on 28 August aged 89, ending a reign that began in 1991 and prompting 13 days of national mourning.

Thousands of people gathered in and around the capital to honour a king widely regarded as a steady, unifying figure. The ceremony also marks the transition to the reign of his son, King Haakon VIII.

Royal procession arrives at Oslo Cathedral

King Harald’s casket was taken from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral on an artillery carriage along Oslo’s main avenue. Members of the Norwegian royal family walked in the procession, led by King Haakon VIII, alongside visiting dignitaries and royal guests.

Queen Sonja travelled by car. Queen Mette-Marit also followed in a vehicle after undergoing a lung transplant in June. Her son, Marius Borg Høiby, was permitted to attend while under house arrest as he appeals a rape and assault conviction.

International guests included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Britain’s Prince William, Spain’s king and queen, and the presidents of Finland, Germany and the Czech Republic. France and Thailand sent their prime ministers, while Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko were expected alongside Scandinavian, Belgian, Dutch, Monegasque and Jordanian royals.

Military tribute and burial at Akershus Castle

Following the religious service at Oslo Cathedral, four F-35 fighter jets are due to fly above the cathedral in a missing-man formation, a military tribute associated with the death of a distinguished figure.

The casket will then be taken to the chapel at Akershus Castle. King Harald will be buried in the royal mausoleum’s crypt beside his parents and grandparents, in a sarcophagus valued at $2 million, or €1.7 million. Its design has not been publicly revealed.

After the burial, flags lowered to half-mast after the king’s death will be raised across Norway. Church bells are also scheduled to ring for an hour, offering a final shared moment of mourning.

Large-scale security operation in the capital

The state funeral has required one of the largest security operations in Norwegian police history. Nearly 3,000 police officers have been mobilised, along with around 3,500 soldiers, as Oslo hosts an unusually large number of foreign leaders and royal visitors.

Airspace restrictions have also been imposed across much of eastern Norway. The measures reflect the scale of the occasion and the practical challenge of protecting guests while preserving public space for mourners.

A monarch remembered for openness

At the time of his death, Harald was Europe’s oldest reigning monarch. Though his health declined in later years, he rejected abdication and remained a popular figure among many Norwegians.

His 2016 speech marking the 25th anniversary of his accession became one of the defining statements of his reign. It expressed a view of Norway as open, diverse and inclusive.

“Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who love boys, and girls and boys who love each other,” he said.

“Norwegians believe in God, Allah, the Universe and nothing.”

The remarks reinforced his reputation as a monarch who sought to represent people of different backgrounds, beliefs and lives. In the days before the funeral, thousands waited to pass the king’s casket, while flowers, candles and drawings filled the square outside the Royal Palace.

A billboard near the University of Oslo displayed a smiling image of Harald with the message: “Thank you for everything.” For many attending the ceremony, Norway bids farewell to King Harald not only as head of state, but as the “grandfather” of the nation.

FAQ: King Harald V’s funeral

Where is King Harald V being buried?

King Harald V is to be buried in the crypt of the royal mausoleum at Akershus Castle, beside his parents and grandparents.

Why are fighter jets flying over Oslo Cathedral?

Four F-35 fighter jets are scheduled to perform a missing-man formation after the funeral service, a traditional military tribute.

How long did Norway mourn King Harald V?

Norway observed 13 days of mourning after King Harald’s death on 28 August.