Universities and Colleges Halt Activities During King Harald’s Funeral

Universities and colleges across Norway are clearing their schedules for King Harald V’s funeral, canceling teaching, meetings and other events so students and staff can follow the ceremony.

The measures follow guidance from the government. Most campuses will pause activity from noon on Wednesday, while institutions may arrange for the funeral broadcast to be watched on television. Several universities and colleges are also moving scheduled board meetings because of the funeral.

The institutions listed as canceling classes or arranging broadcasts include the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, the University of Oslo, the University of Bergen, Oslo Metropolitan University, the University of Tromsø, Nord University and the University of Stavanger. A number of regional university colleges and private institutions are also taking part.

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I can confirm that we are calling in people from the Home Guard. It concerns nearly 600 from the Home Guard.

The Home Guard has been called in to help with the ceremony. Aleksander Hage, a staff sergeant in the Norwegian Armed Forces, said nearly 600 Home Guard personnel would serve from Sunday through Wednesday. Their duties include standing guard of honor and assisting with salutes.

Denmark’s Queen Margrethe will attend the funeral with almost the entire Danish royal family. King Frederik and Queen Mary have already confirmed their attendance, alongside Crown Prince Christian and Princess Benedikte, Margrethe’s sister. Norwegian authorities have not released a full guest list, citing security reasons, although foreign royals, heads of state and other official representatives are expected in Oslo.

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For security reasons, Norwegian authorities will not publish a list of those who have confirmed attendance. Each participating country is free to announce its own participation.