Royals and heads of state from across the globe descended on Oslo Cathedral today for the state funeral of King Harald of Norway, who died on August 28 at the age of 89.
Though the occasion was marked by deep solemnity and moving personal gestures, the proceedings were not entirely without incident, as an unexpected disruption briefly punctuated one of the ceremony’s most reflective moments.
A mobile phone rang out during the moment of silence.
Captured on Norwegian broadcaster NRK’s livestream, the device sounded three times against the backdrop of tolling bells before apparently being silenced.
Royals and heads of state from across the globe descended on Oslo Cathedral today for the state funeral of King Harald of Norway, who died on August 28 at the age of 89
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GETTY
The interruption provided an inadvertent moment of awkwardness amid an otherwise deeply moving farewell to the late King.
The ceremony brought together members of the Norwegian Royal Family alongside representatives from numerous European monarchies and beyond, in a sweeping display of international tribute.
Wednesday’s service saw dignitaries from countries including Sweden, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, Monaco, Japan, Jordan, Liechtenstein and Luxembourg travel to the Norwegian capital to honour the late monarch.
A solemn cortège departed the Royal Palace ahead of the cathedral service, with King Harald’s coffin carried on a bier through the streets of Oslo.
Prince William and the Princess Royal were today in Oslo for the funeral of King Harald V at the Norwegian capital’s cathedral
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GETTYKing Haakon walked at the head of the procession alongside his children, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, as well as his sister Princess Martha Louise.
Queen Sonja, visibly emotional beneath a sheer mourning veil, made the journey from the Palace to the cathedral by car, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Queen Mette-Marit.
The Prince of Wales attended in place of King Charles, walking behind the bier in a striking show of solidarity from the British Royal Family.
Princess Anne also joined the procession, present in a personal capacity given her role as King Haakon’s godmother.
Norway’s King Haakon, Queen Mette-Marit, Prince Sverre Magnus, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Queen Sonja wave to the crowd from the balcony of the royal palace in Oslo
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REUTERS
During the service, Queen Sonja delivered what was perhaps the most poignant moment of the day, stepping forward to lay a single red rose on top of her husband’s velvet-draped coffin.
The couple had been married for 57 years, and the Queen had earlier inscribed a wreath ribbon with the Norwegian words “Takk for et godt liv” – “Thank you for a wonderful life.”
Beyond the immediate family, Princess Martha Louise’s husband Durek Verrett and her two daughters were among those paying their final respects.
Queen Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Høiby, was also present at the service.
The funeral ceremony of Norway’s King Harald at Oslo Cathedral
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REUTERS
The Norwegian royals were joined by a vast contingent of foreign dignitaries, with royal houses from across Europe and further afield sending representatives to Oslo.
Delegations arrived from Sweden, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, Monaco, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein, while the Japanese and Jordanian royal families also made the journey to honour King Harald.
The breadth of international attendance underscored the deep personal bonds and diplomatic ties the late monarch had forged during his decades on the throne, with the gathered royals walking behind the bier in a united display of respect.