Norway Pays Last Farewell to King Harald V

Thu Sep 10 2026 21:09:16 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

King Harald V’s funeral in Oslo witnessed national mourning, royal attendance, and a historic transition to his son Haakon VIII.

Norway mourned the death of King Harald V with a solemn funeral in Oslo’s Akershus Fortress and Oslo Cathedral. The event saw attendance by the Prince of Wales and other European monarchs. Flags were lowered to half‑mast and crowds gathered to pay tribute. After 35 years on the throne, King Harald is laid to rest, while his son Haakon VIII takes the crown. The ceremony marked the end of a nation’s 13 days of mourning.

Norway Pays Last Farewell to King Harald V

After the late monarch’s death in August, the nation of Norway observed a period of 13 days of national mourning, culminating in a solemn funeral service at Oslo Cathedral followed by a private ceremony at Akershus Fortress.

The ceremony was attended by the Prince of Wales, other European royals, and members of the Norwegian royal family. Flags were lowered to half-mast across the country, marking the end of the mourning period.

King Harald V, who reigned for 35 years, was laid to rest in the crypt of the Palace Chapel. His son, Haakon VIII, and his family stood on the Royal Palace balcony, waving to thousands of people gathered outside, symbolizing the smooth transition of power.

The funeral, broadcast on national television, attracted millions of viewers and highlighted the nation’s respect for its late monarch.