Overview
- The state funeral, which took place on Wednesday, Sept. 9, was held at Oslo Cathedral after a ceremonial transfer of the coffin from the Royal Palace and a public procession through central Oslo.
- Large crowds lined the route to watch the procession and Norway observed a nationwide moment of silence at the start of the service.
- Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko of Japan attended the funeral and joined the procession, signaling the depth of personal and institutional links between the two royal houses.
- Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and other foreign royals and heads of state were present, giving the ceremony a diplomatic as well as a national character.
- Harald V, who died in August at age 89, was remembered for promoting an open monarchy and enjoying broad public support, and the Japanese crown couple returned to Japan on Sept. 10 after the visit.