Norway has bid a poignant farewell to King Harald V, whose reign was marked by both deep affection from the nation and recent scandals. The funeral, held on Wednesday, saw the presence of European royals, heads of state, and foreign dignitaries, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Britain's Prince William, and Spain's royal couple. The procession, led by the new King Haakon VIII, moved from the royal palace to Oslo's Lutheran cathedral, where a national minute of silence was observed.
King Harald, who passed away on August 28 at the age of 89, was known for his modern and unifying presence. Despite health challenges and controversies involving his family, he remained a beloved figure. His funeral procession was a solemn affair, with the casket carried on an artillery carriage, and only his widow, Queen Sonja, and the new Queen Mette-Marit traveling by car due to Mette-Marit's recent lung transplant.
The ceremony at the cathedral included a flyover by four F-35 fighter jets in a'missing man' formation as the casket was transported to Akershus Castle chapel for burial. King Harald will be laid to rest in a $2 million sarcophagus, the design of which remains undisclosed. The event concluded with flags across Norway being raised and church bells ringing for an hour.
Security for the funeral was unprecedented, with nearly 3,000 police officers and 3,500 soldiers deployed, along with strict airspace restrictions. King Harald, who ascended the throne in 1991, was Europe's oldest reigning monarch until his death. He was renowned for his inclusive and tolerant views, famously celebrating diversity in a 2016 speech.
Thousands of Norwegians paid their respects, with many waiting in long lines to view the casket. The public's affection for King Harald was evident, with flowers, drawings, and candles covering the square in front of the palace. An opinion poll showed a rise in support for the monarchy following his death, though it had faced criticism earlier in the year due to scandals involving the royal family.
The new king, Haakon VIII, is popular, but opinions on Queen Mette-Marit remain divided. The funeral highlighted the deep respect and complex emotions surrounding the royal family, reflecting Norway's current social and political climate.
