The funeral of King Harald V of Norway will bring together in Oslo Cathedral many of the world’s most prominent leaders. It will involve an extraordinary security operation, the largest in Norway’s history, for what will be the biggest tribute ever paid to a monarch in the country.
Tomorrow, on September 9th, Europe’s royal families will come together in the Nordic capital to honor Norway’s recent history, in a ceremony that will also present a new Royal Family to the world: for the first time, they will appear on the balcony of the Royal Palace in Oslo to greet all those gathered in front of the historic building. It will be a moment that intertwines the joy of Haakon VIII’s accession to the throne with the sadness of a final farewell to the man who has reigned over the country for the past thirty‑five years.
© OLE BERG-RUSTENThe details of the monarch’s final farewell
This Wednesday, September 9th, the world will be plunged into deep sorrow as it bids a definitive farewell to Harald V. On this day, all of Europe’s royal houses will gather in this dynastic setting, where everyone from King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia to King Willem‑Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, accompanied by Princess Beatrix and Princess Amalia, will come together for an event that will begin in the early hours of the morning.
At that time, a procession led by a military escort will depart from the Royal Palace in Oslo, transporting the mortal remains of Harald V, which have rested there since the day of his death. This procession will be as spectacular as it is symbolic, the crowning touch to a life marked by legend, compassion, and a historic reign.
© CORNELIUS POPPEEscorted by the police, the Armed Forces band, the King’s Guard honor company, and the head of the Royal Court, the coffin will leave for Oslo Cathedral. At this point, the King’s family will follow behind the body of Harald V, with members of the royal families attending the Norwegian monarch’s final farewell walking in their footsteps. In an overwhelming silence broken only by the cadence of marching soldiers, the historic procession will advance through the heart of Oslo in an unprecedented display of solemnity.
This funeral cortege will become part of the shared memory of Europe’s monarchies, although it will be at 1:00 p.m. when the King’s body is received at Oslo Cathedral and the funeral mass in memory of the sovereign begins.
© JAVAD PARSAUnder the soaring vaults of the magnificent cathedral, the service will be led by Bishop Olav Fykse Tveit, with the distinguished participation of the Bishop of Oslo, following the strict and sober funeral rite of the Church of Norway. Music, the emotional centerpiece of this farewell, will fill the space with the mastery of the cathedral’s cantor and the heavenly voices of the Oslo Cathedral Choir. The service will also include a minute of silence, observed not only inside the cathedral but across the entire country, framed by three solemn tolls of the bells marking the beginning and end of the national mourning.
After this powerful moment of reflection, the president of the Storting and the prime minister will deliver heartfelt commemorative speeches in tribute to his legacy, followed by a moving candlelight vigil led by representatives of different faiths and philosophical traditions. Heads of State and queens from across Europe will bear witness to this exceptional event.
© JAVAD PARSAThe most notable guests at this historic event
The guest list for the historic monarch’s funeral has grown in recent days, turning this event into a true summit of Europe’s royalty, one that underscores their deep bonds with one another. Among those attending are King Frederik and Queen Mary, accompanied by Prince Christian and Princess Benedikte of Denmark, who will travel to Norway to join the entire Swedish royal family in a gesture meant to highlight the close ties between the Scandinavian royal houses.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium will also attend, as will King Willem‑Alexander and Queen Máxima, who will be there, together with Princess Amalia and Princess Beatrix, to say goodbye to the late king. In one way or another, these prominent royals share not only institutional responsibilities but also dynastic ties that make them all related to each other; so, in a sense, they will not only be bidding farewell to a sovereign, but also to a relative with whom they share bonds that go far beyond court protocol.
© Milos BicanskiHowever, the list does not end there. Representing Luxembourg, the new Grand Duke and Grand Duchess will travel to Oslo, accompanied by Grand Duke Henri, and will join the heirs to the Japanese throne, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, who have also confirmed their attendance at the historic funeral. Prince Albert II of Monaco will be present, as will Prince Alois and Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein, and King Felipe VI, godfather to Princess Ingrid of Norway, and Queen Letizia, who will attend alongside Queen Sofía. As we’ve said, this will be a true summit of reigning houses, one that will shine a light on their shared ties and will also include representation from the British Crown.
In keeping with British tradition, King Charles III will be represented by Prince William, who will attend together with Princess Anne. Serbia, one of the non‑reigning royal houses taking part in this historic gathering, will be represented by Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine, as revealed by royal expert Ángel de la Cruz (@implmaterial on X).
© HEIKO JUNGEAfter the main ceremony, the coffin will be taken in procession to the Akershus Castle Church for a private service with the royal family, Norwegian leaders, and the presidents of Iceland and Finland. There, the coffin will be lowered into the royal crypt to rest alongside the sarcophagi of Haakon VII, Queen Maud, Olav V, and Crown Princess Märtha Louise. Once this ceremony at the fortress concludes, the final phase of the funeral will begin: the King and Queen will step out into the courtyard, flags will be raised once more to full‑staff, a double royal salute will be fired, and church bells across the country will ring for an hour.
Afterward, the royal family will return in procession to the Royal Palace. To bring the day to a close, the Crown Princess, Queen Sonja, and Prince Sverre Magnus will appear on the palace balcony, followed by an official reception hosted by the King and Queen for dignitaries, representatives of royal houses, heads of state, and close family guests. A truly majestic occasion that will undoubtedly be one of the most significant royal events of our century.
