Norway bids farewell to King Harald V

Tributes paid to King Harald V at Oslo funeral attended by Prince of Wales; 13 days of mourning end with new King Haakon VIII balcony appearance.

By Marcus "MJ" Jones •2 min read

Tributes have been paid to King Harald V after his funeral in Norway's capital Oslo, with the Prince of Wales and other European royals among attendees.

Public service and private burial

The funeral included a public service at Oslo Cathedral followed by a private ceremony at Akershus Fortress. King Harald V was laid to rest in the crypt of the Palace Chapel. Flags were raised from half-mast to mark the conclusion of the private ceremony. The full sequence concluded 13 days of national mourning declared after his death. The private ceremony at Akershus Fortress followed directly after the public service, completing the formal proceedings in the capital.

International attendance

The Prince of Wales joined other European royals at the ceremony in Norway's capital. Their presence reflected longstanding ties among European royal families. Attendees gathered for both the public service at Oslo Cathedral and the subsequent private ceremony at Akershus Fortress. The international guests participated in the events marking the end of national mourning.

Public response

Tens of thousands of people lined the streets of Oslo to pay their respects after the 13 days of national mourning. The scale of public participation was evident throughout the capital during the funeral proceedings. Crowds remained present as the ceremonies moved from the cathedral to the fortress and concluded with the flag raising.

Transition to new reign

The new king Haakon VIII, Harald's son, and his family stood on the balcony of the Royal Palace and waved to thousands of people gathered outside. This appearance followed the raising of flags from half-mast and the completion of the burial in the Palace Chapel crypt. The balcony moment marked the shift after the full funeral sequence.

Key takeaways

King Harald V received a public service at Oslo Cathedral and private burial at Akershus Fortress.
The Prince of Wales and other European royals attended the events in Oslo.
13 days of national mourning ended with flags raised from half-mast.
King Haakon VIII and family appeared on the Royal Palace balcony after the ceremony.

By Marcus "MJ" Jones

Marcus "MJ" Jones, as a Political Correspondent, dedicates his reporting to the complex World of politics, examining how global events shape national policies and the lives of citizens. He focuses intently on international relations, diplomatic shifts, and the political implications of transnational issues, owning the beat of how global governance frameworks interact with sovereign states within AF. His coverage ranges from immediate dispatches on unfolding international crises and policy debates to detailed explainers that break down the historical context and potential outcomes of geopolitical maneuvers, often extending to deep-dive investigations into long-term political trends and their societal impact. MJ’s process for a story typically starts with identifying a significant international development or a critical diplomatic juncture. He meticulously gathers information from official government statements, international organizational reports, and direct communications with diplomats, political analysts, and policy makers from various regions. His rigorous verification process involves cross-referencing information across multiple independent sources, including foreign media outlets and academic research, to ensure a comprehensive and balanced perspective. Readers who follow MJ’s reporting gain a sophisticated and well-rounded understanding of global political dynamics. His work provides clarity on the motivations behind international actions, the potential consequences of policy decisions, and the intricate web of relationships that define the political landscape, offering insights that are both timely and deeply informed.