Norway said a final farewell to King Harald V on Wednesday, as a state funeral in Oslo drew European royals, heads of state, and dignitaries from across the continent and beyond. The 89-year-old monarch, who died on 28 August, was remembered as a modern, unifying figure who embodied an open and tolerant Norway.
The funeral procession left the royal palace at midday, with the casket carried on an artillery carriage along the city's main avenue to Oslo's Lutheran cathedral. A minute of silence was observed nationwide as the ceremony began at 1 p.m. CET. The new King Haakon VIII led the royal family on foot, accompanied by foreign royals and officials. Queen Sonja, Harald's widow, and Queen Mette-Marit, who recently underwent a lung transplant, followed in a car.
Among the guests were Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Britain's Prince William, Spain's King Felipe and Queen Letizia, the presidents of Finland, Germany, and the Czech Republic, as well as the French and Thai prime ministers. Japan's Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, the Scandinavian royal families, the Belgian and Dutch royal couples, Prince Albert of Monaco, and Jordan's King Abdullah II also attended. Marius Borg Høiby, Mette-Marit's son who is under house arrest pending an appeal of a conviction, was granted permission to be present.
A reign marked by openness
Harald ascended the throne in 1991 and became Europe's oldest reigning monarch. Despite health challenges in his later years, he never considered abdicating and remained deeply popular. His 2016 speech marking the 25th anniversary of his reign left a lasting impression when he declared: "Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who love boys, and girls and boys who love each other," adding, "Norwegians believe in God, Allah, the Universe and nothing."
The sentiment resonated far beyond Norway's borders, reinforcing his image as a monarch who embraced diversity and change. "He was the grandfather of the nation," said Gunn Johnsen, 81, who took an hour-long train ride to pay her respects. "Generous, inclusive, kind," added her friend Vigdis Simonsen, 64.
Thousands of Norwegians filed past the casket in the days before the funeral, some waiting hours in line. The palace square was covered with flowers, drawings, and candles. A billboard near the University of Oslo displayed a smiling Harald with the words "Thank you for everything."
Security was exceptionally tight, with nearly 3,000 police officers and 3,500 soldiers deployed, and airspace restrictions imposed over much of eastern Norway. After the religious service, four F-35 fighter jets performed a "missing man" formation as the casket was taken to Akershus Castle chapel, where it was lowered into the royal mausoleum beside Harald's parents and grandparents. He was laid to rest in a sarcophagus whose design remains secret. Flags, lowered to half-mast since his death, were raised again, and church bells rang for an hour.
The funeral comes at a time when the Norwegian monarchy's popularity has rebounded. A poll published last week found nearly 72% support for the institution, up from 60% in February, when the royal family was embroiled in scandals involving Queen Mette-Marit's past ties to Jeffrey Epstein and her son's legal troubles. The surge in support suggests that Harald's legacy of stability and warmth has helped reinvigorate the monarchy under its new king. As King Haakon VIII pledged allegiance to the constitution, he inherits a throne strengthened by his father's example.
European leaders have paid tribute to Harald, with many noting his role in fostering continental unity. The funeral also highlighted Norway's place in the European family, even as the country remains outside the EU. The presence of leaders from across the bloc and beyond underscored the respect he commanded. As European leaders mourned King Harald V, his death marks the end of an era for Norway and for Europe's monarchies.
