Prince William (Prince of Wales) will travel to Oslo for the funeral of King Harald V, who died last month at the age of 89. His attendance follows an old convention that monarchs do not attend the funeral of another sovereign, but the Prince will represent King Charles II as a sign of respect.
Princess Anne will also attend in a personal capacity. She is the godmother of Norway’s new monarch, King Haakon VIII, who will join the Prince together with Queen Sonja and members of the Norwegian royal family.
The ceremony will begin with a funeral procession followed by a service in Oslo Cathedral and finish with a private burial in the royal mausoleum at Akershus Fortress. Large crowds are expected to queue outside the Royal Palace chapel and to line the streets during the procession.
Underpinning the event will be Norway’s long‑standing commitment to sustainable practices. Organizers intend to use recyclable materials for the casket and service décor, and the burial sites are chosen to minimise environmental impact. This aligns with Norway’s broader climate goals of measured carbon neutrality and green infrastructure.
The funeral, while steeped in royal tradition, offers a moment to reflect on the country’s leadership in climate policy and the role of public institutions in fostering resilient, environmentally‑aware communities.
