Oslo prepares for King Harald V’s royal funeral

Oslo is taking shape for the royal funeral of King Harald V on Wednesday. A canopy and steps are being built at the entrance to Oslo Cathedral, where the funeral ceremony will take place.

A two-level stand is also being erected at Stortorget, in front of the cathedral, for Norwegian and international media. About 650 journalists from 19 countries, including Norway, have been accredited to cover the funeral from the prepared positions.

The press will not be allowed to speak with guests as they enter or leave the cathedral. Most guests will be driven to the doors, while security arrangements will be extensive. The procession carrying King Harald’s coffin will travel from the palace to the cathedral and then to Akershus Fortress, where he will be laid to rest in the royal mausoleum.

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I wanted to honor the king. I thought it was sad that people were walking up without flowers.

Queen Margrethe of Denmark will not attend. The 86-year-old former queen was admitted to Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen on Sunday with a blood accumulation in the hip area and mild dehydration. The Danish royal household said she was in good spirits and expected to remain in hospital for observation and treatment during the coming week.

Flower sellers have also set up along Karl Johans gate for mourners heading toward the palace square. Gudson Berisha, who said he was the first seller to arrive, said he wanted to honor the king and felt sad seeing people walk toward the square without flowers.

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Queen Margrethe is expected to remain hospitalized for observation and treatment during the coming week. This means that Her Majesty will unfortunately not attend King Harald V’s funeral on Wednesday in Oslo.