With large crowds attending, Norway lays King Harald to rest

OSLO, September 10 ----- Norway's King Harald V was laid to rest on Wednesday, in a series of ceremonies marking the culmination of 13 days of national mourning following his death at the age of 89. Harald, a reformer who spent more than three decades on the throne after gradually emerging from the shadow of his popular and charismatic father, died at a time of multiple crises for the Norwegian royal family.

A procession on foot from the royal palace to Oslo Cathedral started at 1200 local time (1000 GMT), punctuated by the sound of cannons being fired from Oslo's Akershus fortress and watched by large crowds. The procession will be followed by a church ceremony at about 1300 local time (1100 GMT). The ceremony will begin with a nationwide minute of silence.

Among the guests are Britain's Prince William and Princess Anne; Japan's Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko; Spain's King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Queen Sofia; Sweden's royal family; and Denmark's King Frederik and Queen Mary.

Heads of state from around the world were invited. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Oslo late on Tuesday, meeting with Norway's prime minister to discuss the war with Russia, officials from both sides said. He also marched in the procession. Due to represent the United States was Allison Hooker, Under-Secretary of State for political affairs, represented the United States, Norwegian media said. The US embassy declined to comment.

Source: gmanetwork.com