Oslo city centre to close to traffic during King Harald’s funeral

Oslo city centre will close to cars and public transport during King Harald V’s funeral on Wednesday, September 9. Police and the municipality are preparing the city for a large procession and a high level of security.

The king’s coffin will be carried from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral before the ceremony, which begins at 1 p.m. Afterward, another procession will travel from the cathedral to Akershus Fortress. Authorities warned that movement through central Oslo could be difficult.

The municipality also plans to install large screens at several locations along the procession route. City council leader Eirik Lae Solberg said the screens would make the funeral more accessible and give people in Oslo a place to mourn and remember the king together. Mayor Anne Lindboe said she was pleased residents would be able to watch the ceremony collectively and share the sense of community experienced in the city in recent days.

“

These will make the funeral more accessible, allowing people in Oslo to be together during the period of mourning and remember King Harald.

The exact locations of the screens had not yet been decided. Police said the procession required extensive security arrangements, including closures affecting both road traffic and public transport.

Monaco’s Prince Albert is expected to attend, according to Monaco’s foreign ministry. It was not clear whether Princess Charlene would accompany him. Czech President Petr Pavel will also attend, his office confirmed, according to Radio Prague.

King Harald died early on Friday, August 28, at the age of 89.

“

I am glad that everyone in Oslo can watch the funeral together and be part of the strong community we have experienced in the city in recent days.