Norway holds funeral for King Harald V in Oslo

Thousands of Norwegians lined the streets of Oslo on Saturday as the nation laid King Harald V to rest, marking the final farewell to a monarch who reigned for three decades. The state funeral, held at Oslo Cathedral, drew a crowd of mourners and was attended by a host of European royalty and international leaders, underscoring the late king’s standing on the world stage. Among the dignitaries were Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, and the British royal family, alongside heads of government from Germany, France and the United Kingdom.

The ceremony featured traditional military honors, a procession through the capital’s historic avenues and a eulogy delivered by the prime minister, who highlighted Harald’s dedication to Norway’s constitutional monarchy and his role in fostering diplomatic ties. Following the service, the royal family entered a period of official mourning, and Crown Prince Haakon is set to assume the throne, ensuring continuity of the Norwegian crown. The nation now turns its focus to honoring the late king’s legacy while preparing for the transition of power.