Palace: Queue to pay respects now just one hour

The queue to pay respects to King Harald V has fallen to less than an hour, the Royal Palace said, after visitors earlier faced a wait of almost seven hours.

About 4,500 people had visited the chapel by 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, according to a palace statement. The chapel will remain open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. On Tuesday, it will close at 7 p.m.

Police have also warned that umbrellas will not be allowed during the funeral. They said they do not have the capacity to store umbrellas that are confiscated and urged members of the public to wear rain clothing instead. Weather service Yr forecasts nearly six millimeters of rain in the afternoon, when the funeral begins at 1 p.m.

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Until 6:30 p.m. today, Saturday, Sept. 5, about 4,500 visitors had been to the Palace Chapel. The queue is now under an hour.

A security zone will surround the event in central Oslo. The funeral procession is expected to take place on Wednesday, Sept. 9, in cold, wet and gray conditions, with temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius and intermittent rain. Meteorologist Rafael Escobar Løvdahl said the weather itself should not cause problems, but warned that people could become cold if they stood outside for a long time without proper clothing.

The Foreign Ministry confirmed that all 169 members of parliament will be invited. Parliament initially received fewer places because Oslo Cathedral has limited capacity and many guests from Norway and abroad are expected. About 6,500 police officers and soldiers will assist with the procession.

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The weather should not cause any problems in itself, but most people should dress warmly and wear rain clothing.