Prince William represents King Charles at King Harald V’s Oslo funeral

Prince William attended the funeral of King Harald V in Oslo on Wednesday, representing his father King Charles, Buckingham Palace announced. Princess Anne also attended in a personal capacity; she is godmother to Norway’s new monarch, King Haakon VIII. The late King Harald, who reigned for 35 years, died last month at age 89.

Large crowds gathered in Oslo for the farewell on 9 September, where a funeral procession preceded a service at Oslo Cathedral. Thousands queued to pay respects during the lying in state at the chapel of the Royal Palace.

Present at the funeral alongside Prince William were Queen Sonja, members of the Norwegian royal family including King Haakon VIII, and other European royals. A private burial followed in the royal mausoleum at Akershus Fortress.

King Haakon delivered an emotional televised speech thanking his father, saying: “Thank you for being such a good dad.” Royal sources described Harald as a down-to-earth “people’s king” who modernised the monarchy and broke with tradition by marrying a commoner.

King Charles paid tribute to his cousin, praising Harald for serving his people with “unwavering dedication, guiding Norway through times of great change with warmth and humility.”

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The attendance by Prince William followed the convention that a reigning monarch does not usually attend the funeral of another head of state, so he represented King Charles. The programme in Oslo combined public mourning during the lying in state with official ceremonial elements including a procession, cathedral service and private burial. Coverage highlighted both public tributes and personal remarks from King Haakon and other royals.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Prince William attended King Harald V’s funeral in Oslo on behalf of King Charles.
• Princess Anne attended in a personal capacity; she is godmother to King Haakon VIII.
• King Harald, who reigned 35 years, died last month aged 89; funeral events included a procession, cathedral service and private burial at Akershus Fortress.