Prince William to represent King Charles at King Harald V’s funeral in Norway
The Prince of Wales will travel to Norway next week to represent his father, King Charles, at the funeral of King Harald V, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
William, who is heir to the British throne, will attend the ceremony on September 9 at Oslo Cathedral. He will be accompanied by his aunt, the Princess Royal, who will attend in a private and personal capacity as godmother to Norway’s new monarch, King Haakon VIII.
King Harald died on August 28 at the age of 89, bringing an end to a 35-year reign that saw him become one of Norway’s most respected and beloved figures. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief across the country, with large numbers of people gathering to pay their respects.
A much-loved Norwegian monarch
Harald was widely known for his warmth, humour and relaxed manner. During his reign, he was often regarded as a “people’s king” who helped bring the Norwegian monarchy into the modern era while maintaining a strong connection with the public.
His funeral will be attended by his widow, Queen Sonja, as Norway continues its period of national mourning. His son, Haakon, automatically became king following Harald’s death and has since formally taken his oath before parliament.
William’s attendance reflects established royal protocol under which the reigning British monarch does not normally attend the funeral of another head of state. Instead, the future king will represent Charles and pay tribute on behalf of the British royal family.
Charles pays tribute to his “dear cousin”
Following Harald’s death, King Charles issued a deeply personal message mourning the loss of his relative and friend.
Describing Harald as his “dear cousin” and a “much-loved kinsman and friend,” Charles praised the late monarch’s decades of service to Norway.
He highlighted Harald’s “unwavering dedication”, while also remembering his “kindness, compassion and deep sense of duty”.
The two royal families share close historical and family connections. The late Queen Elizabeth II and King Harald were second cousins, with King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra among their shared great-grandparents.
William’s previous connection with the Norwegian royal family
This will not be William’s first major royal engagement involving the Norwegian monarchy.
In April last year, he represented King Charles at the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican.
William and the Princess of Wales also made an official visit to Norway in 2018, when they were welcomed by King Harald and Queen Sonja at the Royal Palace.
During a dinner held in their honour, Harald described William and Kate as “family” and praised their dedication to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
One memorable moment from the visit came as Harald entered the banquet arm in arm with a pregnant Kate, who was expecting Prince Louis and wore a flowing Alexander McQueen gown. William followed alongside Queen Sonja in a matching gesture.
The royal couple also joined the then-Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit on the ski slopes during their visit. Haakon has since succeeded his father as King of Norway, while Mette-Marit has become Queen.
A final tribute from Britain
William’s journey to Oslo will provide an opportunity for the British royal family to honour a monarch who maintained close ties with the United Kingdom throughout his long reign.
For Charles, the occasion will also carry a personal significance following his tribute to a cousin he remembered not only for his position as Norway’s king, but for his warmth, compassion and friendship.
As Norway prepares to say goodbye to Harald V on September 9, William will stand in his father’s place at Oslo Cathedral, representing the British monarchy at a solemn moment for the Norwegian royal family and the nation.