Prince William to represent King Charles at King Harald V’s funeral in Norway

Prince William will travel to Norway next week to represent his father, King Charles, at the funeral of King Harald V, Buckingham Palace announced.

The Prince of Wales will attend the service at Oslo Cathedral on Wednesday alongside his aunt, Princess Anne. She will attend privately as the godmother of Norway’s new king, Haakon VIII.

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unwavering dedication

Harald died on August 28 at the age of 89, ending a 35-year reign during which he became known for his informal manner and close relationship with the Norwegian public. His widow, Queen Sonja, is expected to attend.

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kindness, compassion and deep sense of duty

Charles’s decision not to go follows longstanding royal protocol under which reigning monarchs generally do not attend the funerals of fellow heads of state. William has previously carried out similar duties for his father, including representing Charles at Pope Francis’s funeral at the Vatican last April.

After Harald’s death, Charles praised his “unwavering dedication” and remembered his “kindness, compassion and deep sense of duty.” The British and Norwegian royal families also share a longstanding family connection. Queen Elizabeth II and Harald were second cousins, both descended from King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, met Harald and Queen Sonja during an official visit to Norway in 2018, when the couple were hosted at the Royal Palace for a banquet. Harald called them “family” and praised their support for Queen Elizabeth II.

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family