Government asks for flags to be raised after King Harald’s funeral on Wednesday

Flags at Norwegian state institutions have flown at half-staff since King Harald V’s death. The government has now issued an update for the end of Wednesday’s funeral: once the ceremony is complete, the flags should be raised to full staff.

The funeral is expected to finish at around 3:50 p.m. Its conclusion will be marked by a salute from Akershus Fortress, with the flag-raising taking place simultaneously. The exact timing may vary, while NRK and Aftenposten plan to broadcast the funeral and the closing salute live.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki is due to attend the September 9 funeral, according to the Polish embassy. Members of the royal families of Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden are also expected, along with Japan’s crown princely couple and the royal couples of the Netherlands and Belgium.

Oslo is preparing for large crowds and extensive security measures. From 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9, traffic will be completely blocked across the city center. People will be able to reach the Royal Palace and Oslo Cathedral, where the funeral begins at 1 p.m., through ten access points staffed by police.

Visitors should expect checks and searches and must show valid identification. Bicycles, scooters and umbrellas will not be allowed inside the security zone. Police said the procession and ceremony require a high level of security to ensure the event proceeds safely and with dignity.

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The procession and ceremony require a high level of security to contribute to a safe, dignified and well-organized event.