Prince William will travel to Norway to represent King Charles III at the state funeral of the late King Harald V.
1. Representing the British Monarchy in Oslo
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Prince of Wales will attend the upcoming funeral service for King Harald V, who passed away at the age of 89 following a 35-year reign.
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Adhering to Protocol: In line with long-standing royal tradition, reigning British sovereigns do not personally attend the funerals of foreign heads of state, leaving the duty to the heir to the throne.
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The Schedule: The funeral service is scheduled to take place at Oslo Cathedral on September 9, followed by a private burial at the royal mausoleum inside Akershus Fortress.
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Additional Royal Representation: Prince William will be joined in Norway by his aunt, the Princess Royal, who is attending in a personal capacity as the godmother of Norway’s new monarch, King Haakon VIII.
2. Deep Family and Historical Ties
The passing of King Harald—whom King Charles affectionately mourned as a “dear cousin” and close friend—marks the end of an era for European monarchies.
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Shared Ancestry: The British and Norwegian royal families share close generational bonds, descending from common great-grandparents in King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.
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Prior International Duties: This marks another significant diplomatic duty for the Prince of Wales, who previously stood in for his father at the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican.