In brief
Prince William, in a personal capacity, is set to attend the funeral of King Harald V in Oslo, marking a departure from the usual avoidance of other monarchs’ funerals by the British Crown. Princess Anne will also attend, linking the families. The funeral will be led by King Haakon VIII, Norway’s new monarch, with Queen Sonja, other royals and a large public turnout. The event reflects Norway’s reverence for King Harald, a modernizing king who reigned for 35 years, while the Norwegian royal family faces internal scandals amid the transition.
The Prince of Wales will travel to Oslo on Wednesday to pay his respects to King Harald V, the late popular monarch who ruled Norway for 35 years and died in August. The visit marks a notable break from tradition, as King Charles typically does not attend another country’s sovereign’s funeral.
In addition to Prince William, Princess Anne will attend in a personal capacity, strengthening ties between the British and Norwegian royal families. King Haakon VIII, Norway’s new monarch, is expected to deliver a televised speech at the funeral, reflecting on his father’s legacy and the nation’s gratitude.
The funeral service will take place at Oslo Cathedral, followed by a private burial in the Royal Mausoleum at Akershus Fortress. Large crowds are anticipated, with thousands queuing to view King Harald’s coffin in the Royal Palace chapel before the ceremony.
King Harald was widely seen as a "people’s king" who modernised the Norwegian monarchy, notably by marrying a commoner and acting as a unifying national figure. His son, King Haakon, has described him as a man of law and justice, equal to all.
At the same time, the Norwegian royal family is dealing with recent scandals that have cast a shadow over the monarchy. Queen Mette‑Marit faced public scrutiny over a past friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, and her son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, was convicted of rape and other serious charges.
While the Prince of Wales attends in Norway, King Charles has returned to Scotland and is preparing to host a summit with Prime Minister Andy Burnham at Balmoral. The events highlight the continued ceremonial roles and diplomatic engagements of the British sovereign.
Source: BBC News (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-...
