Prince William to attend King Harald's funeral in Norway

What the report says

Buckingham Palace said the Prince of Wales will travel to Oslo next Wednesday to attend the funeral of Norway’s King Harald V, representing King Charles. The BBC reported that Princess Anne will also attend in a personal capacity because she is godmother to Norway’s new monarch, King Haakon VIII. The attendance follows long-standing royal protocol, under which the British monarch does not usually go to another head of state’s funeral.

King Harald died last month at the age of 89 after a 35-year reign. The BBC described him as a widely admired, modernising figure who was often seen as a unifying and approachable monarch. Large crowds are expected for the funeral, which will include a procession and a service at Oslo Cathedral before a private burial at the royal mausoleum in Akershus Fortress.

According to the BBC, mourners have already queued to pay their respects during the king’s lying in state at the Royal Palace chapel in Oslo. The funeral is expected to bring together Queen Sonja, members of the Norwegian royal family, including King Haakon, and other European royals. The event comes at a sensitive moment for the Norwegian royal family, which has faced public scrutiny this year, though the funeral itself is focused on marking Harald’s long public life and legacy.