Home Guard called in to assist at King Harald’s funeral

Nearly 600 members of Norway’s Home Guard have been called up to assist during the funeral of King Harald V. The personnel will serve from Sunday to Wednesday, according to the Armed Forces.

Aleksander Hage, a staff sergeant, confirmed the mobilization. “I can confirm that we are calling up people from the Home Guard. There are nearly 600 from the Home Guard,” he told Aftenposten.

The force will provide honor guards and help with ceremonial salutes. The funeral arrangements are also affecting universities and colleges across Norway. Institutions are canceling teaching, meetings and events on Wednesday so students and staff can watch the funeral. Many will also arrange television broadcasts on campus.

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I can confirm that we are calling up people from the Home Guard. There are nearly 600 from the Home Guard.

The measures follow government guidance, with activity generally paused from noon. Several institutions are also moving scheduled board meetings. King Harald died peacefully at Rikshospitalet at the age of 89, according to the notices accompanying the funeral coverage.

Norwegian authorities have not published the full guest list for security reasons. Foreign royals, heads of state and other official representatives are expected in Oslo, while individual countries may announce their own participation. Queen Margrethe of Denmark and much of the Danish royal family are due to attend.

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For security reasons, Norwegian authorities will not publish a list of who has confirmed attendance. Each participating country is free to announce its own participation.