Prince William to Attend King Harald V Funeral in Oslo

Prince William of Wales will travel to Oslo on Wednesday to attend the funeral of the late Norwegian monarch, King Harald V, on behalf of his father King Charles III. The Prince’s participation is a personal gesture of respect, following the tradition that a reigning monarch does not attend the funeral of another head of state.

The 9 September ceremony will include a solemn procession followed by a service at Oslo Cathedral, and will conclude with a private burial in the royal mausoleum within Akershus Fortress. Prayers and tributes are expected from the public, who are lining the Royal Palace Chapel to pay respects during the king’s lying in state.

Alongside Prince William, Princess Anne will attend in a personal capacity. The event will also host Queen Sonja, members of the Norwegian royal family, the newly ascended King Haakon VIII, and other European royal dignitaries.

King Harald, who was 89 at his death, was celebrated as a modernising, people’s king who broke royal conventions by marrying a commoner and had guided Norway through significant social change.