Norway Bids Farewell to King Harald V in Oslo
Usagevpn.com – Norway bids farewell to King Harald V as the country concludes 13 days of national mourning for a monarch widely seen as a unifying figure. A funeral service at Oslo Cathedral brought together the royal family, international leaders, European royals and thousands of members of the public.
King Harald died on 28 August aged 89, ending a reign that began in 1991. Until his death, he was Europe’s oldest serving monarch. Despite declining health in recent years, he had resisted calls to abdicate.
Royal procession through the capital
The late king’s casket travelled from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral on an artillery carriage along Oslo’s main avenue. Members of the Norwegian royal family followed on foot, led by the new King Haakon VIII, while foreign dignitaries and royals also joined the procession.
Queen Sonja travelled by car, as did Queen Mette-Marit following her lung transplant in June. Marius Borg Høiby, Queen Mette-Marit’s son from an earlier relationship, was permitted to attend while under house arrest as he appeals convictions for rape and assault.
Among those expected in Oslo were 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 joined royals from across Europe and beyond.
Military honours and burial at Akershus Castle
After the cathedral service, four F-35 fighter jets are due to fly in a missing-man formation, a traditional military salute for a fallen figure. The casket will then be taken to the chapel at Akershus Castle.
Harald will be buried in the royal mausoleum crypt beside his parents and grandparents. His sarcophagus, valued at $2 million, or €1.7 million, has not been publicly revealed.
When the burial is complete, flags lowered since the king’s death will return to full height across Norway. Church bells are also scheduled to ring for an hour, formally ending the national mourning period.
Security measures for a historic farewell
Norway bids farewell to King Harald V amid one of the largest security operations in the country’s history. Nearly 3,000 police officers and about 3,500 soldiers have been assigned to protect the ceremony and its high-profile guests, while exceptional airspace restrictions have been imposed across much of eastern Norway.
The occasion marks the beginning of a new era for the Norwegian monarchy under King Haakon VIII, who is 53 and has strong public support.
A monarch remembered for inclusion
For many people, King Harald represented a modern and inclusive monarchy. His 2016 speech marking 25 years on the throne became one of the defining moments of his reign.
“Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who love boys, and girls and boys who love each other.”
“Norwegians believe in God, Allah, the Universe and nothing.”
Thousands of mourners have passed by the king’s casket in recent days, with some waiting for hours to pay their respects. Outside the Royal Palace, flowers, candles and children’s drawings filled the square, while a billboard near the University of Oslo displayed a smiling image of the king and the words: “Thank you for everything.”
Gunn Johnsen, 81, who travelled by train to Oslo, described Harald as “the grandfather of the nation.” Her friend Vigdis Simonsen, 64, remembered him as “Generous, inclusive, kind.”
FAQ: King Harald V’s funeral in Oslo
Where is King Harald V being buried? He will be buried in the royal mausoleum crypt at Akershus Castle, alongside his parents and grandparents.
How long did Norway mourn King Harald V? The official mourning period lasted 13 days, from his death on 28 August until the funeral ceremonies in Oslo.
What happens after the funeral service? A missing-man flypast by F-35 jets will be followed by the transfer of the casket to Akershus Castle. Flags will then return to full height and church bells will ring across the country.
