King Harald’s state funeral planned

The Norwegian Royal Court has confirmed a date for King Harald’s state funeral. 

This evening, the royal court confirmed what will be one of the largest gathering of international royal families in recent times. King Harald, who died last Friday at Oslo’s National Hospital, will be laid to rest on Wednesday, 9 September. The funeral ceremony will follow the funeral liturgy of the Church of Norway.

The funeral procession will be led by the President of the Church of Norway, Olav Fykse Tveit. The Bishop of Oslo, Sunniva Gylver, Cathedral Cantor Marcus André Berg, the Oslo Cathedral Choir, amongst others will also participate.

Further details around the next week’s events will be released in due course.

Soon after the announcement of the funeral, the Danish and Belgian Royal Palace’s confirmed the postponement of King Frederik and Queen Mary’s state visit to Belgium which was scheduled from 8 to 10 September.