King Harald funeral RECAP: Prince William's personal condolences with Norwegian royals following King Haakon VIII's first balcony appearance

Good morning everyone,

And welcome to HELLO!'s live blog as we remember King Harald V of Norway for his funeral today. 

Prince William will be stepping in for King Charles, while Princess Anne is attending in a personal capacity as she's the godmother of the new King, Haakon. 

Queen Sonja, King Haakon and Queen Mette-Marit will be leading the Norwegian royals. 

HELLO! has compiled all the confirmed attendees from monarchies across the world, as well as sharing our personal memories of the late monarch. 

We will also have a livestream throughout the day - so stay with us for all the latest and live coverage. 

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Here's what we can expect so far for today's timings - these are all according to the local time in Norway. The UK is one hour behind. 

• 12pm - Funeral bier leaves the Palace and makes its way to Oslo Cathedral. There is an official salute. 
• 1pm - King Harald's state funeral officially begins with a minute of silence
• 2.30pm (approx) - Air force doing a flyover over the cathedral when the funeral ceremony is complete. King Harald's bier is then taken to Akershus Castle Church for a private family ceremony. The bier will be lowered into the crypt in the Palace Church. King Haakon will emerge from Akershus Church after the funeral service and a salute is fired for the new King. 
• 4.30pm - The public can access the Palace Square to view the balcony appearance.
• 4.45pm - Haakon, Mette-Marit, Crown Princess Ingrid, Queen Sonja, Prince Sverre Magnus to appear on the Palace Balcony.

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Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, and Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg, have arrived in Norway and are now taking a shuttle bus from the airport. 

We have also spotted King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, with Prince Carl Philip. 

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden touched down earlier on Wednesday from Bali (she has been conducting an official visit to Indonesia). 

Large parts of central Oslo have been closed off ahead of the funeral, with queues forming throughout the city. 

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The Norwegian royal family has left Skaugum Palace and are on their way to Oslo ahead of the funeral this afternoon, according to TV2. 

Skaugum Palace is the family's official residence, located about 19 kilometres southwest of Oslo. 

King Haakon, Queen Mette-Marit, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and Prince Sverre Magnus were spotted in cars this morning. 

Princess Martha Louise and her husband Durek Verrett were seen arriving at the Palace earlier on Wednesday, while Queen Sonja walked in the Palace Park. 

The procession from the Palace will start at midday, so 11am in the UK. 

The state funeral itself will begin at 1pm (12pm UK time). 

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Marius Borg Høiby is on his way to Oslo for the funeral, according to Dagbladet.

The son of Queen Mette-Marit and stepson of King Haakon was in the same entourage as the rest of the family as they left Skaugum on Wednesday morning. 

He is usually detained with an anklet at house arrest at Skaugum but has been allowed to participate in the funeral events for his late step-grandfather. 

Marius was sentenced to four years in prison in June following a high-profile trial. He was convicted of rape, though he had denied the most serious of the allegations against him. 

Since July, the 29-year-old has been out of jail and under house arrest at the royal estate of Skaugum, while his legal team appeals the sentencing. He was permitted to visit the late King at the hospital before he died on 28 August.

You can keep fully up to date today with our livestream of King Harald's funeral. 

Norway is bidding farewell to the late monarch, who died on 28 August at the age of 89. 

The state funeral takes place at Oslo Cathedral from 1pm local time, followed by a procession to Akershus Fortress, where the King will be laid to rest in the Royal Mausoleum alongside his father, King Olav V. 

The funeral will see a strong British royal presence, with Prince William representing King Charles III, in keeping with royal protocol that the sovereign does not attend the funerals of other heads of state. 

Princess Anne will also attend, in a personal capacity as godmother to the new King Haakon VIII.  

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Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived for the funeral. He was seen in a black cab before arriving at the palace at 11.30 Norwegian time. 

He wrote on X on Tuesday: "We have important engagements ahead. Tomorrow, on behalf of all our people, we will express our gratitude to Norway at the farewell ceremony for His Majesty King Harald V.

"Today, I will also meet with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. We will discuss continued support for Ukraine. 

"The main issue is strengthening air defense and assistance in other areas that are important for getting through the winter. 

"Naturally, Jonas and I will also meet with the companies developing the FREYJA anti-ballistic system. Thank you to everyone who is helping Ukraine."

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As we're waiting for the funeral to begin, why not take a look back at some of our personal memories of the late King Harald?

HELLO!’s features contributor Sally Morgan reflects on the late King of Norway - a trailblazing monarch who fought nine years for his own true love, welcomed an unconventional son-in-law, and proved why he was truly the King of our hearts. 

Sally attended the wedding of Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett on 31 August 2024 for a HELLO! and HOLA! world exclusive. 

She describes the "contagious happiness" from the royals and the "warmth" from the late King. 

Sally writes: "I'm sure, like me, that everyone will remember him for being a bit of a mover and shaker.

"Leading the occasion with love, it felt as if he was the King of our hearts that day – but looking back on his life, I realised he had already that long before."

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Prince William has arrived in Oslo - but can you spot him?

The Prince of Wales appears to have taken the same shuttle bus as King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. 

A British military plane landed at Gardermoen at the same time as the Belgian plane. According to FlightRadar, it was estimated to land at 9.32am. 

William and Anne were spotted driving to RAF Northolt on Wednesday morning, before catching their flight to Norway. 

The future King was seen sitting behind the Belgian royals on the bus - though most of his face was obscured by the seat. 

Did you spot him? It took us a moment to do so - especially as we can't see his famous beard. 

Also on the bus were Grand Duke Guillaume and Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg. 

William, 44, is standing in for his father, King Charles, who was the second cousin once removed of the late Norwegian King. 

Princess Anne is also attending in a personal capacity. 

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Queen Mary and King Frederik disembarked the Royal Yacht Dannebrog and have arrived at the palace, while Prince Albert and Princess Charlene are also now in Oslo. 

Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein, Crown Prince Akishino, and Crown Princess Kiko of Japan have also been pictured by TV2. 

Queen Rania of Jordan has also disembarked her plane. 

We also have a picture of Crown Princess Victoria arriving on the shuttle bus. 

The arrivals are still continuing, so we'll bring you the latest whenever we get it!

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King Harald's casket is now being transferred from the Royal Palace Chapel during a royal procession to the cathedral ahead of the funeral. 

The bier will be driven on a Mercedes Geländewagen, according to Aftenposten.

It will be transported through the Karl Johans gate by the King's honour guard. The bier is topped with white roses and a red cover. 

A notice from the Royal House read: "The King and Queen, HRH The Crown Princess, Queen Sonja and Prince Sverre Magnus participate in the ceremonial procession carrying King Harald V's bier from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral together with Princess Märtha Louise." 

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Prince William is part of the procession to Oslo Cathedral. He was also joined by Princess Anne, godmother to King Haakon. 

He has joined representatives from European monarchies, including Princess Charlene. 

The Dutch royals were led by Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander, as well as their daughter Princess Amalia. 

We've also had our first sighting of Queen Rania and King Abdullah of Jordan. 

There is silence along the streets apart from the band playing, which is making for a very poignant ceremony and united display from the world's monarchies. 

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According to the Norwegian palace, these are the royals who have joined the procession: 

King Carl Gustav of Sweden, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden. Prince Daniel of Sweden, Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, Princess Sofia of Sweden, Princess Madeleine of Sweden, Christopher O’Neill

King Abdullah of Jordan, Queen Rania Abdullah of Jordan

Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Charlene of Monaco

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, Crown Princess Amalia of the Netherlands

King Philippe of Belgium, Queen Mathilde of Belgium

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King Felipe of Spain, Queen Letizia of Spain

King Frederik of Denmark, Queen Mary of Denmark, Crown Prince Christian of Denmark

Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg, Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg

Prince Alois of Liechtenstein, Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein

Crown Prince Fumihito Akishino of Japan, Crown Princess Kiko Akishino of Japan

Prince William of Wales, Princess Anne

Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece

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The funeral procession is underway to Oslo Cathedral as King Harald's bier is driven out of the Palace. 

Following a salute, King Harald led Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Princess Martha Louise, who were both wearing black mourning veils. 

Prince Sverre Magnus is also participating in the ceremonial procession.

Queen Sonja and Queen Mette-Marit followed behind in a car.  

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We have a closer picture of King Haakon, Prince Sverre Magnus, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and Princess Martha Louise, who are taking part in today's procession. 

The Norwegian royals are close to the front of the procession, while European representatives are further behind. 

Queen Sonja, the widow of the late King Harald, was seen with a veil across her face in a following car with Queen Mette-Marit. 

She was also wearing sunglasses to shield her face. 

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The European royals have joined the procession: See the best photos below

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Queen Sonja has said a final emotional goodbye to her husband, King Harald, today in Oslo. 

Norway's late monarch will be laid to rest in a state funeral held at Oslo Cathedral following his death on 28 August at the age of 89. 

Harald's wife was supported by members of the Norwegian royal family, including their son, King Haakon, as she bids farewell to her husband of 57 years. 

Royals from around the world gathered to pay their respects to the late King, including Prince William and Princess Anne (King Haakon's godmother), who attended to represent the British royal family. 

Sonja led the poignant memorial to her late husband - see all the best photos. 

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King Harald's bier has arrived at Oslo Cathedral. 

The royal family greeted Bishop Sunniva Gylver and President Olav Fykse Tveit outside before entering the church, followed by other mourners. 

Queen Sonja entered the church first with King Haakon. 

Police chief Tomm Berger said that approximately 53,000 people were along the route of the procession, with 181,000 people in the city centre, according to NRK. 

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Marius Borg Høiby, the disgraced son of Queen Mette-Marit, has been spotted outside the cathedral.

He was greeted by Preses Olav Fykse Tveit and the Bishop of Oslo Sunniva Gylver, in front of the Oslo Cathedral, but did not appear to be in the main procession. 

In June, Marius was sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of rape and other offences. Since July, he has been out of jail and under house arrest at the royal estate of Skaugum, while his legal team appeals the sentencing.

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Shaman Durek Verrett, the husband of Princess Martha Louise, is also in the crowd after undergoing a kidney transplant. 

The couple married in 2024 and do not undertake royal duties. 

He previously paid tribute to the late monarch, writing: "Love you dad. I will miss all our fun times together," online.

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Queen Mette-Marit shed a tear for her late father-in-law, King Harald, as the family took their seats for the funeral. 

King Haakon's wife was forced to miss earlier events for the late monarch's funeral due to complications from her pulmonary fibrosis, for which she received a lung transplant back in June. 

It appears to be an emotional service, with Durek Verrett, the husband of Princess Martha Louise, also brought to tears in memory of his beloved "dad". 

King Harald's state funeral has officially begun in Oslo Cathedral with a minute's silence. 

Prince William and Princess Anne have taken their seats. 

Several members of the Norway royals are also inside the cathedral, followed by representatives from other royal houses. 

Princess Astrid, King Harald's sister has arrived at the church to bid her brother a final goodbye.

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Marius Borg Høiby is seated next to King Harald's granddaughters, the daughters of Princess Martha Louise. 

A wreath on behalf of the royal family reads: "Takk", translated as "Thank you."

Norwegian artist Åge Aleksandersen will play Alf Prøysen's song "Jørgen Hattemaker."

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Alongside Prince William, Princess Anne has also made the journey to Norway to support her godson, Harald's son, King Haakon. 

The Princess Royal looked sombre as she paid her respects alongside Prince William. 

Anne looked smart in a black blazer and scarf, with her hair in her signature coiffed style, accompanied by a black headpiece. 

Anne kept her composure while standing shoulder-to-shoulder with William. 

Following his death, Harald's son, King Haakon assumed the throne, with the new monarch declaring a period of national mourning that is due to conclude on 9 October, a month after Harald is officially laid to rest.

The Norwegian Royal House has shared a heartfelt message as the final, historic leg of the state funeral gets underway.

The message stated: "Today we say goodbye to King Harald V. King Harald's carriage left the Castle and was taken in procession to the Oslo Cathedral, where the burial will take place."

Inside Oslo Cathedral, one of the most poignant and emotionally charged moments of the entire service unfolded as Queen Sonja stepped forward to say her final personal goodbye to her beloved husband, King Harald V.

Approaching the velvet-draped catafalque, the Queen - wearing a traditional black veil -placed a single red rose gently atop King Harald's coffin.

© POOL/AFP via Getty Images

© POOL/AFP via Getty Images

It's an incredibly moving photo. 

King Haakon has supported his mother, Queen Sonja, as they arrived at Oslo Cathedral this afternoon. 

The new monarch placed a gentle hand on Sonja's back as they entered for the ceremony this afternoon. 

Earlier on Wednesday, Sonja looked tearful as she joined the procession in a black car with Queen Mette-Marit. 

Mette-Marit and Durek Verrett were also seen shedding tears throughout the church service. 

In a deeply moving inter-royal tribute inside Oslo Cathedral, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden stood before the congregation to speak during the state funeral service for late King Harald V.

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The moving funeral ceremony for King Harald V of Norway has come to an end. 

Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and her younger brother, Prince Sverre Magnus, have left Oslo Cathedral together. 

They will now make their way to the Akershus Fortress for a private ceremony before their balcony appearance at the Palace later on Wednesday. 

At the end of the service, guests stood to sing the hymn "Beautiful Is The Earth", before the late monarch's bier was carried out of the cathedral. 

The Crown Princess, 22, could be seen supporting her younger brother, 20, throughout the hymn. 

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As the service concluded, there was a flyover over Oslo. 

Four F-35 fighter jets flew over central Oslo and the cathedral from west to east. 

Their formation was significant as a tribute to King Harald. It's called the "missing man", as one broke out of formation. It symbolises the passing on of a loved one. 

Born on 21 February 1937, King Harald V of Norway was the first Norwegian-born monarch to inherit the Norwegian throne in over 600 years, reigning from 1991 until his death on 28 August 28, 2026. 

He represented Norway in sailing at three Olympic Games and, in 1968, married Sonja Haraldsen, breaking with royal convention by marrying a non-royal. 

The couple had two children, and he was succeeded by his son, King Haakon VIII. 

Royal representatives have departed Oslo Cathedral after paying tribute to King Harald V. 

Prince William and Princess Anne joined the Norwegian royals led by King Haakon and Queen Mette-Marit, as well as Harald's widow, Queen Sonja. 

See the best photos of the departures below. 

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The eagle-eyed royal watchers among you may have noticed that Prince William is not wearing a military uniform today, unlike some of his European counterparts. 

This may seem surprising, as William once served in the British military before taking on royal duties full-time. 

At the late Queen's funeral in 2022, William wore the RAF No 1 uniform with the Garter Sash and RAF Pilot Wings. 

However, William does not have the Order of St Olav, so did not wear uniform on Wednesday. 

The order is Norway's highest decoration and rewards individuals for remarkable accomplishments on behalf of the country. 

Foreign heads of state may also be appointed to the order as a courtesy. 

Instead, Prince William wore a black suit as a continued sign of respect.