Many royal houses and world leaders will be among the thousands gathering for the state funeral of King Harald V of Norway on September 9 in Oslo.
King Harald was 89 years old when he passed away on August 28 at the National Hospital. The Norwegian royal family website has gone dark as it prepares for a new monarch.
The funeral will begin at 1pm local time (9pm AEST). However, the day will begin with a private ceremony at the Royal Palace, attended by his closest relatives.
A ceremonial procession will then carry King Harald’s coffin to Oslo Cathedral. After the funeral, King Harald will make his final journey to Akershus Castle Church, accompanied by a smaller procession. Here, a private ceremony will be held, including only the royal family, members of other European royal houses, guests and representatives of Norway’s official institutions.
King Harald will be laid to rest alongside his family, including his parents King Olav V and Crown Princess Martha, and his grandparents King Haakon VII and Queen Maud.
Who will attend King Harald V of Norway’s state funeral?
Among the first to confirm their presence at the state funeral were King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark, who have postponed a state visit in Belgium to attend.
The Scandinavian royal houses have particularly close ties. King Harald’s grandfather, King Haakon VII, was born Prince Carl of Denmark – the second son of King Frederik VIII and Louise of Sweden – before he was elected as Norway’s first independent monarch.
“Your father meant a great deal to my mother and both of us. With his warm and dry sense of humour and unwavering calm, Uncle Harald made others feel comfortable and at ease in his presence. He was an extraordinary man, with a twinkle in his eye and a big heart,” a public letter signed by Denmark’s King and Queen read, addressed to Norway’s new King Haakon VIII.
“The bonds between Denmark and Norway are strong. For generations, our families and our countries have been closely tied. Your father will stand as a symbol of that which binds us together.”
It is yet to be determined who else outside of the Norwegian royal family will be in attendance.
Prince William to attend as representative of the British Royal Family
Heir to the British throne, Prince William and his aunt, the Princess Royal, will attend King Harald’s funeral. According to reports, it is not unusual for a Head of State to not attend the funeral of a fellow Head of State. However, King Charles did pay tribute to King Harald, his cousin, after hearing of his death, praising his “unwavering dedication” to the Norwegian people.
Princess Anne has an additional tie to the Norwegian royals as she is the godmother to the new monarch, King Haakon VIII.
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