King Harald of Norway’s state funeral on 9 September rallied royals and world leaders from around the world – but not without a small hiccup. The Norwegian royal family and representatives from European monarchies gathered on Wednesday to bid a final farewell to King Harald, who died on 28 August at the age of 89.
After a poignant procession, where royals including Prince William and Princess Anne walked solemnly behind Harald’s bier as it was driven out of the Palace, the group carried on to Oslo Cathedral for the state funeral ceremony. The Norwegian royals were a pillar of support for widowed Queen Sonja, who looked sombre in a sheer veil and placed a single rose on her husband’s coffin in one of the most heartbreaking scenes from the service.
While those in attendance observed a moment of silence for the sorrowful occasion, the ceremony suffered one awkward interruption. As the royals stood quietly, accompanied by the chiming of bells, a phone was heard ringing out in the cathedral on Norwegian broadcaster NRK’s livestream.
The mobile alarm filled the silence of the room before seemingly being switched off after three rings.
Who was in attendance?
King Harald’s widow, Queen Sonja, looked tearful as she joined the procession from the Palace to the cathedral by car alongside her daughter-in-law, Queen Mette-Marit.
King Haakon, his two children – Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus – and his sister Princess Martha Louise led the procession on foot. Martha’s husband, Durek Verrett, her two daughters and Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Høiby, were all in attendance to say a final goodbye to the monarch.
© Getty ImagesThe grieving Norwegian royals were accompanied by representatives from other royal houses, who walked behind the bier in a grand show of support. Prince William stood in for his father, King Charles, while the Princess Royal was there in a personal capacity as the godmother of King Haakon.
Royals from Sweden, Denmark, Monaco, Japan, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Spain and the Netherlands all journeyed to Oslo to pay their respects to the late Norwegian King.
Most moving moments
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesKing Haakon was by his mother’s side throughout the day. In one incredibly moving photo from the procession, Haakon was seen supporting Queen Sonja by placing a comforting hand on her back as they arrived at the cathedral for the next portion of the day.
Expectedly, the service proved to be an emotional one for the royals as Queen Mette-Marit was seen shedding a tear for her late father-in-law.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesLater in the service, Queen Sonja stepped forward to say her final personal goodbye to her husband of 57 years. The Queen, who wore a traditional black mourning veil, approached the velvet-draped catafalque and placed a single red rose atop King Harald’s coffin.
The royal previously left a tribute to her husband on wreath, with a ribbon that read: “Takk for et godt liv”, which translates to English as: “Thank you for a wonderful life”.
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