Oslo Cathedral became the meeting point for some of the most recognizable names in royalty on Wednesday, as Norway welcomed representatives of the world’s most storied dynasties to pay their final respects to King Harald V.
The day closed with the newest members of the Royal Family stepping onto the balcony of Oslo’s Royal Palace, where King Haakon VIII and Queen Mette-Marit waved to the crowds gathered below — a gesture that formally marks the start of their reign.
A storied day for the monarchy
September 9 now stands as one of the most consequential dates in the modern Norwegian monarchy’s history. Since Harald V’s death on August 28, the royal family had been navigating a period of upheaval, with the king’s passing at 89, after 35 years on the throne, shaking the institution to its core. Twelve days later, members of royal houses from across the globe converged on Oslo to say goodbye.
Among the confirmed guests were King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark, King Felipe VI of Spain, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Jordan’s royal family, Britain’s Prince William, and Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko of Japan, according to the Associated Press.
© WireImageThe coffin, draped in the red Norwegian royal standard, left the palace at midday behind a 21-gun salute before proceeding to Oslo Cathedral for the funeral service and on to Akershus Fortress for burial in the royal mausoleum.
The service concluded with the key figures of the Glücksburg dynasty appearing on the palace balcony — the King, the Queen, and their children, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. They were joined by Queen Sonja, still grieving the loss of her husband of nearly six decades.
© ODD ANDERSENThe moment carried real emotional weight for everyone involved, with family members visibly holding back tears as they faced the Norwegian public. It marks a new beginning for Haakon and Mette-Marit, who have weathered no shortage of controversy over the past year.
Thirty-five years ago, King Harald V stood on that same balcony, waving to the Norwegian public following the death of his own father, King Olav.
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