Norway Holds State Funeral for King Harald V Amid Royal Controversy

Oslo was treated to a final tribute on Wednesday as Norway laid its beloved monarch, King Harald V, to rest during a state funeral attended by a gathering of international dignitaries. The ceremony concluded a 13-day period of national mourning that began after the death of the 89-year-old king.

The solemn procession began with a 21-gun salute echoing across the capital before the king’s coffin was transported from the royal palace to the Lutheran cathedral. Thousands of spectators lined the streets to pay their respects to the down-to-earth ruler, who reigned for 35 years and chose not to abdicate despite reaching advanced age.

Headlines attendees included prominent European royalty and political figures. Present were UK’s Prince William and Princess Anne, Spanish monarchs King Felipe and Queen Letizia, and Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito alongside Princess Kiko. Leaders such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also made the journey to honor the late king.

Close family members, including the new King Haakon VIII, Queen Sonja, and Queen Mette-Marit, were in attendance. However, the funeral proceedings were not without tension. Marius Borg Hoiby, the son of Queen Mette-Marit from a previous relationship, is expected to participate, a decision that has drawn criticism within Norway.

Hoiby recently faced legal convictions for rape and domestic violence and is currently serving time under house arrest. His involvement in earlier segments of the official mourning period had previously sparked public outrage, casting a shadow over what was otherwise a day of celebration for the late sovereign’s legacy.

During the service, which commenced with a minute of silence, King Haakon walked alongside his siblings and children, marking a significant transition for the Norwegian monarchy as it enters a new era under the new king.