Norway bids farewell to King Harald V

Wed Sep 09 2026 19:28:56 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

King Harald V's funeral in Oslo sparked national mourning and royal tributes, with the Prince of Wales and other European monarchs attending.

King Harald V, who had reigned for 35 years, died in August and was laid to rest in the Palace Chapel crypt after a public service at Oslo Cathedral. The funeral was marked by flags flown to half‑mast and attended by the Prince of Wales, other European royals, and Norway’s King Haakon VIII, who waved from the Royal Palace balcony to crowds that had lined the streets during the 13‑day national mourning. The ceremony reflected on Harald’s impact on Norway’s social and political landscape.

Tens of thousands gathered in Oslo to pay final respects after the death of King Harald V, who reigned for 35 years. The funeral was held at the Oslo Cathedral, followed by a private ceremony at Akershus Fortress where the king was laid to rest in the Palace Chapel’s crypt.

Flags were lowered to half‑mast across the city in honour of the monarch. The ceremony was attended by international dignitaries, including the Prince of Wales, and other European royals who offered tributes to the late king.

The new monarch, Haakon VIII—son of Harald—stood on the Royal Palace balcony to wave to the crowds that had lined the streets during the 13 days of national mourning.

King Harald passed away in August, after a reign that began in 1991 and saw Norway navigate numerous social and international developments.