Norwegians and Royal Family Prepare to Bid Farewell to Harald V

Oslo is filling with barriers, trucks, workers and security personnel as Norway prepares to say its final farewell to King Harald V. Screens are being installed and police presence is increasing ahead of the thousands expected to line the capital’s streets for Wednesday’s funeral procession and religious service.

Access points along the route will open at 6 a.m. local time. At midday, Harald V’s coffin will be taken from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral, where the service will be held. The king died 11 days ago at the age of 89.

Members of the Norwegian royal family will accompany the coffin, alongside foreign royals, heads of state, prime ministers and representatives of Norwegian institutions. Dark violet decorations bearing Harald’s royal monogram, combining the letter H and the number 5 beneath a crown, mark the route and the cathedral entrance.

Families, tourists, journalists and construction workers have gathered around the cathedral. Foreign guests have begun arriving in Oslo, including Bulgaria’s Rosario Nadal, Serbia’s Alexander and Katherine, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and former Swiss President Viola Amherd. Spain’s King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and Queen Sofía are also expected.

Photographs of Harald V have appeared in shop windows across the city as a small tribute. Others have joined long lines at the chapel where the monarch lies in state to say goodbye in person.