King Harald V of Norway’s funeral arrangements were revealed this weekend, after thousands of Norwegians paid tribute to their long-serving monarch.
King Harald, who passed away on Friday at the age of 89, will be laid to rest at Oslo Cathedral on Wednesday, September 9, the Norwegian Palace confirmed.
The funeral service is scheduled to commence at 1pm and will be presided over by Olav Fykse Tveit, president of the Church of Norway.
Heads of state and members of royal families from around the world are expected to attend.
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The late sovereign died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet at 6:35am on August 28.
He had been receiving treatment for haemolytic anaemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed at an abnormally rapid rate.
Since the announcement of his death, thousands of Norwegians have gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo, leaving flowers, flags and messages of condolence.
Flags across the country were lowered to half-mast, while portraits of Harald in ceremonial dress appeared in metro stations and public buildings.
Churches and city halls opened their doors for mourners to light candles and sign books of remembrance.
The King had reigned in Norway for 35 years – prior to his death, he was the oldest reigning monarch in Europe – with his son, King Haakon VIII, now ascending the throne.
The new King spoke overwhelmingly of his father on Saturday evening, his first address to the nation since Harald’s death earlier in the week.
“A brother and uncle who was so loved by so many,” he said of his late father. “You were the head of the family, and brought us all together with a natural authority, which you may not have been aware of yourself.”
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The 53-year-old noted fond memories with Harald, including his father enjoying time on his sailboat, or swinging on a hammock in the Amazon.
He also congratulated his mother, Queen Sonja, on her 58th wedding anniversary to Harald – just the day after his death.
Haakon then added: “Now it is my turn.”
The Norwegian Royal Court announced the King’s passing on Friday, stating: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce that His Majesty King Harald has passed away.”
King Charles quickly led the tributes to his late relative, describing him as “my dear cousin” in a statement issued alongside Queen Camilla.
“It is with the most profound sadness that my wife and I have learned of the death of my dear cousin, King Harald V of Norway,” he said. “For thirty-five years, King Harald served his people with unwavering dedication, guiding Norway through times of great change with warmth and humility.”
Royals attended a memorial service – separate from the state funeral – on Sunday morning, which was held across various locations in Norway.
King Haakon, his two children, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, and his mother, Queen Sonja, attended today’s events at Asker Church.
Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and his wife Marit Slagsvold were also present at the event.
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