Prince William to Attend King Harald’s Funeral

Prince William will travel to Oslo next week to attend the funeral of Norway’s King Harald on behalf of his father, King Charles. The funeral will take place at Oslo Cathedral on Sept. 9 at 1 p.m.

The British royal household confirmed William’s attendance through the news agency AFP. British monarchs do not normally attend funerals for other heads of state, AFP noted, instead sending another member of the royal family. William also attended Pope Francis’ funeral last year.

King Charles’ sister, Princess Anne, will also attend. She is the godmother of Norway’s new king, Haakon. Charles, 77, is receiving treatment for cancer and continues to carry out a packed schedule of official duties. Last week, he issued a statement mourning King Harald’s death.

Harald, 89, died Friday, Aug. 28, after spending almost two weeks in hospital. He had been treated for hemolytic anemia, a blood disorder, and a bacterial infection in his blood. His condition worsened during the hospitalization. After his death, his son became king, and King Haakon swore an oath before Norway’s parliament, the Storting, on Tuesday.

Family members, representatives of the Norwegian public sector, and guests from Norway and abroad will attend the funeral. King Frederik, Queen Mary, Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Christian, and Princess Benedikte are among the Danish royals expected. The coffin will travel in a funeral procession from the Royal Palace to the cathedral, the same church where Harald married Queen Sonja 58 years ago.