Tributes have been paid to King Harald V after his funeral in Oslo, with the Prince of Wales and other European royals among attendees as the king was laid to rest following 13 days of national mourning.
Public service and private burial
King Harald V received a public service at Oslo Cathedral followed by a private ceremony at Akershus Fortress. He was interred in the crypt of the Palace Chapel. Flags were raised from half-mast after the ceremony ended. The sequence marked the formal conclusion of proceedings that began with the public service and moved to the private interment in the crypt. The private ceremony at the fortress provided the final step before the flags were raised, closing the national period of mourning.
Royals in attendance
The Prince of Wales joined other European royals at the events. The new king, Haakon VIII, Harald’s son, stood with his family on the balcony of the Royal Palace and waved to crowds gathered outside. Their appearance on the balcony provided a visible transition to the new reign following the burial. European royal guests joined the Prince of Wales to honour the late king during both the cathedral service and the fortress ceremony.
Public mourning
Tens of thousands of people lined the streets of Oslo to pay their respects. The period of national mourning lasted 13 days before the funeral concluded. The large turnout along the streets reflected the scale of public participation after the extended mourning period. The crowds remained in place as the events moved from the cathedral to the fortress and then to the palace balcony appearance.
Conclusion of national mourning
The raising of the flags from half-mast at the end of the private ceremony at Akershus Fortress signalled the close of 13 days of mourning. The new king and his family on the Royal Palace balcony marked the start of the next chapter for the Norwegian monarchy.