Norway Bids Final Farewell to King Harald V in Oslo
Norway has officially concluded its thirteen days of mourning for King Harald V with a state funeral in Oslo, where European royals including the Prince of Wales paid their respects. The ceremony ended with the late monarch's burial at Akershus Fortress, after which flags were raised from half-mast and the new king, Haakon VIII, addressed the public from the Royal Palace balcony.
BBC World reports that flags at Akershus Fortress have been raised from half-mast to full, signaling the official end of the mourning period. The outlet also confirms that King Haakon VIII and his family appeared on the Royal Palace balcony to wave to the massive crowds gathered in the capital.
Source: BBC WorldBBC World reports that Prince William attended the funeral alongside thirty other royal figures from across Europe and Asia, while a poignant disruption occurred when a mobile phone alarm interrupted the final bell tolls during the minute of silence. The report also notes that Marius Borg Høiby, who is serving a prison sentence, was granted permission to sit in the second row of the cathedral.
Source: BBC WorldAl Jazeera English reports that a 21-gun salute marked the beginning of the royal procession from the palace to Oslo Cathedral, where the coffin, draped in the red royal standard, was escorted by King Haakon VIII and senior family members.
Source: Al Jazeera EnglishA solemn state funeral in Oslo marks the end of thirteen days of mourning for the late Norwegian monarch, drawing international dignitaries and a divided public sentiment.
Source: Deutsche Welle
