Royals Gather in Oslo for State Funeral of Norway’s King Harald V

European royals traveled to Oslo this week to attend the state funeral of Norway’s King Harald V, according to Vanity Fair. The ceremony drew senior members of several reigning families, including Britain’s Prince William, Princess Charlène of Monaco, and Queen Letizia of Spain.

The funeral took place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, following the monarch’s death. Paris Match reports that Crown Prince Haakon has now acceded to the throne as King Haakon VIII, formally closing the funeral proceedings. The outlet noted that Queen Sonja and Crown Princess Mette-Marit were seen in tears during the service.

The event also drew attention to the officiant, Oslo Bishop Sunniva Gylver. Madame Figaro highlighted her unconventional profile, noting that she has led “yoga masses” and sports dreadlocks and a nose piercing. Her participation marked a distinctive element of the otherwise traditional royal ceremony.

Separately, 20 Minutes reported on the late king’s final resting place, describing a sarcophagus valued at approximately 1.7 million euros. The publication did not specify where the sarcophagus is located or when it was commissioned.

king harald v

One notable absence was noted by Gala. The outlet reported that Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, was the only prominent British royal not present at the funeral. Gala raised the question of why she missed the event but did not provide a confirmed reason in the available summary.

The funeral marks the end of a reign that began in 1991, making Harald V Norway’s longest-serving modern monarch. The transition to King Haakon VIII now begins, with observers likely to watch how the new king shapes the Norwegian crown in the coming months.