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Norway Bids Farewell to King Harald V After 13 Days of Mourning

Norway has concluded 13 days of national mourning for King Harald V with a series of ceremonies, including a funeral attended by global dignitaries.

  • King Harald V died last month at the age of 89, having ruled for over three decades.
  • Tens of thousands of people lined the streets of Oslo for the funeral procession.
  • Royals and political leaders from more than 20 countries attended the church ceremony.

Norway observed a minute's silence today as it concluded 13 days of national mourning for King Harald V. The monarch, who ruled for more than three decades, died last month at the age of 89.

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Oslo, with foreign heads of state and government converging on the capital for the funeral. The funeral cortege, featuring the king's casket draped in Norway's royal banner, travelled from the royal palace to the cathedral, accompanied by a 21-gun salute.

King Haakon VIII, who succeeded his father, and other royal family members walked behind the coffin. The church ceremony saw attendance from various royals, including Britain's Prince William and Princess Anne, Spain's King Felipe and Queen Letizia, and Sweden's royal family. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and political leaders from over 20 countries were also present.

Following the service, four F-35 fighter jets performed a flyover, with one breaking formation to symbolise the king's passing. The casket was then transported to the Akershus fortress for a private ceremony where it was to be lowered into the royal crypt.

Norwegian police described securing the funeral as the largest planned operation in the force's history. A poll for public broadcaster NRK indicated that 72% of Norwegians support the monarchy.

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