Silence and respect as King Harald is laid to rest
Norway pays homage to the monarch who reigned for 35 years.
Flags have flown at half-mast across the country for almost two weeks. Condolence books, made available in churches and town halls in all corners of the nation, have been signed by thousands. More than 46,000 people have paid their respects at King Harald’s coffin in the Palace Chapel.
As King Harald is laid to rest today, Norway pauses. A moment of silence will be held across the entire country before the start of the funeral.
About 450 guests from all over the world have arrived in Oslo to attend the funeral, which will take place at Oslo Cathedral. Among them are 21 state leaders.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the Norwegian capital on 8 September. According to the Norwegian government, the Ukrainian leader met with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre for political talks the same evening. On the agenda was cooperation on air defence against Russian ballistic weapons, the Prime Minister’s office reports.
King Harald V reigned from 1991 and was known as the "people’s king" of Norway. He was loved and respected for his warmth and unifying presence.
Harald was genuinely interested in international affairs and followed the situation in the High North closely.
