LONDON — Prince William will represent his father, King Charles III, at the funeral of Norway’s late King Harald V in Oslo next week, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
The Prince of Wales is scheduled to attend the September 9 funeral at Oslo Cathedral, where Norway will formally bid farewell to its monarch, who died on August 28 at the age of 89 after 35 years on the throne.
William will be joined by his aunt, Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, although her attendance is described as private and personal because she is the godmother of Norway’s new monarch, King Haakon VIII.
Why Prince William is representing King Charles
The decision is consistent with longstanding British royal protocol under which the reigning monarch generally does not attend the funerals of other heads of state.
Instead, another senior member of the Royal Family represents the sovereign at such occasions.
William has already taken on a similar responsibility. In April 2025, he represented King Charles at the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican.
The decision also underscores William’s growing role as heir to the British throne and one of the monarchy’s principal representatives on the international stage.
King Harald’s final farewell
King Harald V died on August 28 at the age of 89, ending a 35-year reign widely associated with a more modern and approachable Norwegian monarchy.
He was frequently described as a warm, humorous and inclusive monarch, earning a reputation as a “people’s king” during decades of public service. His death prompted an outpouring of grief across Norway, with thousands of people gathering to leave flowers, light candles and pay their respects.
Norwegian authorities have confirmed that a ceremonial procession will carry King Harald’s coffin from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral on September 9.
Following the funeral service, the procession will continue to Akershus Fortress, where a private ceremony will be held.
Queen Sonja, King Harald’s widow, is expected to be among those attending the funeral alongside members of the Norwegian Royal Family and visiting foreign royals.
A new king takes the throne
King Harald’s death also marked the beginning of a new chapter for Norway’s monarchy.
His son, formerly Crown Prince Haakon, automatically became King Haakon VIII following his father’s death. He subsequently pledged allegiance to Norway’s constitution at the Storting, formally marking an important step in his accession.
Haakon has paid emotional tribute to his father, highlighting Harald’s warmth, humor and dedication to Norway.
The new monarch has adopted the historic royal motto “All for Norway,” signaling continuity as the country moves into a new royal era.
A longstanding family connection
The British and Norwegian royal families have maintained close ties for generations.
King Charles publicly mourned Harald following his death, describing him as a beloved relative and friend and praising his dedication, kindness and sense of duty.
William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, also have a personal connection to Norway. During their 2018 official visit, the couple spent time with King Harald and Queen Sonja and visited the country alongside the then-Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
William’s presence at the funeral therefore carries both an official diplomatic role and a personal dimension for the British Royal Family.
Norway prepares for a historic royal farewell
The September 9 funeral is expected to draw members of European royal families and other dignitaries to Oslo.
Norwegian authorities have established designated areas along the procession route, including the Royal Palace, Karl Johans gate, Oslo Cathedral and Akershus Fortress, as preparations intensify for the state occasion.
For Norway, the ceremony will be more than a farewell to a long-serving monarch. It will mark the closing chapter of King Harald V’s 35-year reign while introducing the world to the country’s new sovereign, King Haakon VIII.
And with Prince William representing King Charles, the ceremony will also highlight the increasingly prominent international role of Britain’s future king.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.S
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