Prince William to attend King Harald's funeral in Norway

Prince William will travel to Oslo on Wednesday to attend the funeral of Norway's King Harald V, Buckingham Palace has announced. He will represent his father, King Charles, at the farewell.

Princess Anne will also attend, but in a personal capacity. She is godmother to Norway's new monarch, King Haakon VIII. Royal sources said William's attendance follows the convention that a reigning monarch does not usually attend the funeral of another head of state.

Harald, who died last month aged 89, had spent 35 years on the Norwegian throne. He was widely known as a popular and modernising king.

Large crowds are expected on September 9. A funeral procession will be followed by a service at Oslo Cathedral, attended by Queen Sonja, members of the Norwegian royal family and other European royals. Thousands have already queued to pay their respects while the late king lay in state at the chapel of the Royal Palace.

The service will be followed by a private burial in Norway's royal mausoleum at Akershus Fortress.