Europe's royalty pay respects to King Harald V in Norway

What the report says

Dozens of European royals and heads of state gathered in Oslo on Wednesday to pay tribute to Norway’s King Harald V, who died aged 89 nearly two weeks earlier. Among those present were the Prince of Wales, three Nordic kings, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Norway’s new King Haakon, who took part in the funeral rites with his family.

According to BBC World News, the day began with ceremonial troops at Akershus Fortress before a funeral procession moved from the royal palace to Oslo Cathedral. Thousands of people lined the route, and a minute’s silence was observed nationwide. During the service, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre described Harald as a monarch who balanced dignity with approachability and helped raise Norway’s standing. Queen Sonja laid a red rose on the coffin, while King Harald’s family appeared visibly emotional.

The burial followed a private ceremony at the Palace Chapel at Akershus Fortress, where Harald was laid to rest alongside other members of the royal family. Four F-35 jets flew overhead in a missing-man formation. Later, the royal family greeted crowds from the palace balcony, thanking the public for its support during the 13 days of national mourning. Harald, who reigned for 35 years, was widely regarded as a popular and modernising figure.