Everything you need to know about King Harald’s state funeral

Norway is preparing for King Harald‘s state funeral following the former monarch’s death at the age of 89 on 28 August.

The funeral will be the first state funeral for a monarch since the death of Harald’s father, King Olav, back in 1991. Ahead of the funeral, Harald has been lying in state in the Slottskapellet, a chapel in the Royal Palace.

Royals and heads of state from across the world will be heading to Oslo for the ceremony, which has prompted a major security operation in order to keep all of the delegations safe.

Here’s all you need to know about the solemn event, including its timing and the confirmed and expected attendees…

When will King Harald’s state funeral be held?

Harald’s state funeral is due to be held on 9 September at 13:00 local time. The service is due to be held at Oslo Cathedral, and Harald’s coffin will be moved from the Slottskapellet for the service.

The funeral is due to be conducted in the Church of Norway’s traditional funeral liturgy. Olav Fykse Tveit, presiding bishop of the Church of Norway, will oversee the service, and he is being assisted by Oslo Bishop Sunniva Gylver.

However, court mourning will continue after the funeral, with King Haakon stating that this wouldn’t be lifted until 9 October.

What will happen on the day of the funeral?

Before the funeral is held, a private ceremony will be held at the Royal Palace, which will only be attended by Harald’s closest family members. Harald’s coffin will then be transported to Oslo Cathedral, moving past the Karl Johans Gate and Kirkegata.

Members of the royal family will walk behind the coffin, while the streets will be lined with mourning members of the public. Representatives of Norway’s institutions, and international guests are also expected to follow the route.

A 21-gun salute will also be held at Akershus Fortress before the funeral service. Following the ceremony, Harald’s coffin will be transported to the Fortress for a private funeral service, with only members of the Norwegian royal family, foreign royals and some members of Norway’s institutions at the service.

Harald will be buried at Akershus alongside other deceased members of Norway’s royal family, including his parents, King Olav and Crown Princess Martha. The end of the burial will be marked with a double royal salute and the raising of flags across the country.

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However, the day won’t be finished for the new monarch, as he will appear on the Palace’s balcony to greet members of the public, before hosting a reception inside the Palace for family, foreign dignitaries and Norwegian politicians.

Who is attending King Harald’s funeral?

The Norwegian monarchy will be all at the service, and controversially, Queen Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Hoiby, will also be there. Although Marius’ detention order, following his conviction for rape, was extended past Harald’s funeral, he has been given permission to be there, and he has already taken part in carrying Harald’s bier.

Several royal houses have confirmed their attendances, including a large portion of the Swedish royal family. The Dutch and Danish royal families will also be sending large delegations.

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There is also due to be a presence from the Spanish, Belgian, Japanese, Luxembourgish and Liechtensteiner royal families.

It has not yet been confirmed which member of the British royal family will be at the service, but speaking on A Right Royal Podcast, HELLO!’s royal editor, Emily Nash, revealed that due to King Charles‘ busy schedule, he was unlikely to attend.

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“It falls on William potentially to go and pay his respects on behalf of the royal family,” she explained.

Charles would often go to major funerals in his late mother’s place during her life. The monarch was in attendance at Harald’s father King Olav‘s funeral back in 1991, and in 2005, the then Prince of Wales had to delay his wedding to Camilla in order to attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II.