King Haakon VIII has officially made his first balcony appearance as monarch, signalling the start of a new era for Norway.
The new monarch, 53, waved from the Royal Palace of Oslo following the poignant funeral of his father, the late King Harald, on Wednesday.
He walked out first with Queen Mette-Marit, before being followed by Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. They lent a supportive arm to Queen Sonja, before waving to crowds from each side of the balcony.
It offered the people of Norway the chance to glimpse their new ruler in person, with barriers removed so that the public could access the square.
© AFP via Getty ImagesHaakon inherited the throne upon his father's death on 28 August. He is the fourth king to lead Norway's monarchy after it was restored in 1905, after it gained independence from Sweden.
© Getty ImagesHe is also a great-great-great-grandson of Queen Victoria of Britain.
As is the case in Britain, royals in Norway make appearances on the balcony for significant occasions such as weddings, coronations, and formal ceremonies. It is an important way to connect with the people.
© AFP via Getty ImagesWATCH LIVE: PRINCE WILLIAM AND PRINCESS ANNE ATTEND KING HARALD'S FUNERAL
King Harald's funeral attended by Prince William and the world's royals
The Prince of Wales represented King Charles at the final farewell to King Harald V on Wednesday.
William, 44, formed part of the walking procession behind the much-loved monarch’s coffin, which was slowly drawn on a gun carriage through the streets from the Royal Palace to the funeral in Oslo Cathedral.
© Getty ImagesHeir to the throne William, who was next to his aunt the Princess Royal, joined a large ensemble of foreign royals as they made the journey on foot in honour of the late king.
Also processing against a backdrop of sombre music by the military bands were Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, the Kings and Queens of Spain, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and Jordan, and Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko.
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky walked two rows behind William among the political leaders.
Remembering King Harald of Norway
Harald, who was King Charles III’s second cousin once removed, died on August 28 at the age of 89.
He was Europe’s oldest monarch and was known for his warmth, humour and informal style, and hailed as an inclusive "people’s king" who modernised the Norwegian monarchy during his 35-year reign.
© Getty ImagesCharles paid a touching tribute to his "dear cousin" and "much-loved kinsman and friend" after the news of Harald’s death was announced.
Under royal precedent, the British sovereign does not traditionally attend funerals of other heads of state.
The late Queen Elizabeth II and King Harald were second cousins. They shared the same great-grandparents, King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.
Anne attended in a personal capacity as the godmother of King Haakon.
