Prince William to Represent Charles III at Funeral of Norway’s King Harald V

Prince William will represent his father, King Charles III, at the funeral of Norway’s King Harald V, who died on August 28 at the age of 89, Buckingham Palace said.

The funeral will take place on September 9 at Oslo Cathedral. Princess Anne, the British monarch’s sister, will also attend, but in a personal capacity as godmother of Norway’s new king, Haakon VIII.

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dear cousin

It is customary for the British monarch not to attend the funerals of other heads of state. The role therefore usually falls to the heir, the palace said. William, the Prince of Wales, attended Pope Francis’s funeral at the Vatican last year.

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unwavering dedication

After Harald’s death from complications related to a blood infection, Charles paid tribute to his “dear cousin” and praised his “unwavering dedication,” as well as his “kindness, compassion and deep sense of duty.” Haakon VIII has declared a month-long period of royal mourning through October 9. During that time, the royal household will suspend its official program, except for constitutional duties such as state councils, the opening of the parliamentary session and selected audiences.

Confirmed guests include Denmark’s King Frederik and Queen Mary, the Netherlands’ King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, and Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia.

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kindness, compassion and deep sense of duty