On September 9, Oslo stood still as Norway said its final goodbye to King Harald V. The state funeral of the beloved monarch, who ruled for 35 years, brought the nation to a quiet standstill and drew an extraordinary gathering of global royalty to the historic Oslo Cathedral.
A Historic Gathering of Global Royalty
The sheer scale of the funeral procession was a testament to King Harald’s deep international connections. A massive procession of European and global dignitaries marched behind the coffin, which was draped in the royal standard.
Among the prominent monarchs paying their respects were King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, and the reigning monarchs of Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The British royal family was represented by Prince William and Princess Anne, while delegations from as far as Japan and Jordan joined the walk.
Over 2,000 soldiers lined the Karl Johans Gate as the funeral cortege made its way through the quiet, respectful crowds of Oslo.
Tensions and Unexpected Guests
While the atmosphere remained overwhelmingly solemn, the guest list sparked quiet conversation.
Among the high-profile arrivals was Marius Borg Høiby, the controversial son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit. Currently facing serious legal troubles, Høiby arrived in the same vehicle as Durek Verrett, the American shaman who married Princess Märtha Louise in 2024 amid intense public debate. Despite the controversy surrounding both figures, the Norwegian public remained remarkably quiet and respectful as they entered.
In stark contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenska received warm, spontaneous applause from the onlookers as they exited the cathedral.
The Final Farewell
The service concluded with a powerful military tribute. Four F-35 fighter jets roared through the Oslo sky in a "missing man" formation as Chopin’s funeral march echoed through the capital. King Harald V was subsequently laid to rest in the royal mausoleum at Akershus Fortress during a private ceremony reserved for the immediate family.
The historic day ended with a deeply emotional moment on the balcony of the Royal Palace. The new monarch, King Haakon VIII, appeared alongside Queen Mette-Marit and their children. They were soon joined by a visibly grieving Queen Sonja, who received a roaring, affectionate ovation from the thousands of citizens gathered below—a final, powerful reassurance of the nation's support.
