Norway’s King Harald V laid to rest after 13 days of mourning

Oslo, Norway. King Harald V was laid to rest on Wednesday in ceremonies concluding 13 days of national mourning following his death at the age of 89. Harald, who reigned for more than three decades, died amid multiple crises affecting the Norwegian royal family.

Procession and funeral service

A procession on foot from the royal palace to Oslo Cathedral began at 1200 local time, or 1000 GMT, accompanied by cannon fire from Oslo’s Akershus fortress.

Tens of thousands of people lined Karl Johan Avenue, police said. The crowds fell silent as the coffin passed.

A church ceremony began at 1300 local time, or 1100 GMT, with a nationwide minute of silence.

International guests

Guests included Britain’s Prince William and Princess Anne; Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko; Spain’s King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Queen Sofia; Sweden’s royal family; and Denmark’s King Frederik and Queen Mary.

Heads of state from around the world were invited.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy arrived in Oslo late on Tuesday and met Norway’s prime minister to discuss the war with Russia, according to officials from both sides. He also joined the procession, and crowds clapped and cheered when he left the cathedral.

The Norwegian government said the United States was represented by Allison Hooker, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.

Royal family attendance

Queen Mette-Marit, 53, the commoner wife of Norway’s new King Haakon VIII, attended the funeral. She travelled by car with Harald’s widow, Queen Sonja, 89.