More of King Harald’s sailing friends invited to his funeral

Several of King Harald V’s longtime sailing companions have been invited to his funeral at Oslo Cathedral on Wednesday.

Kjell Inge Heiberg, who sailed with the king from 2000, told VG that they spent several weeks sailing together each summer for many years. “It is bittersweet that we must now say goodbye,” he said.

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We sailed and spent several weeks together every summer for many years. It is bittersweet that we must now say goodbye.

Sailing friends Einar Koefoed and Bjørn Mørland Pedersen also confirmed that they would attend. Former athlete Birgit Skarstein is among the other guests, according to TV 2. The guest list is not yet complete, but it includes royals, government leaders, heads of state and sports figures. Norway men’s national football coach Ståle Solbakken, former biathlete Ole Einar Bjørndalen and cross-country skiing star Therese Johaug have also been confirmed.

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With major changes to road and public transport in the Oslo area connected with the funeral, the railway will be especially important.

France’s Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will attend, his office told TV 2. Authorities are preparing for major crowds in Oslo. Route 159 between Karihaugen and Lillestrøm will close before and during the funeral, and officials warned that the closure could cause queues on the E6.

Bane Nor expects trains to carry large numbers of people throughout Wednesday. The rail operator said the railway would be especially important because of extensive changes to road and surface public transport in the Oslo area, along with a planned minute of silence.

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We do not know how bad it will be.