Norway held a state funeral for King Harald V on Wednesday, drawing thousands of mourners and international dignitaries to Oslo as the country concluded 13 days of national mourning.
Harald, who died on August 28 aged 89, had been Norway’s king since 1991.
The funeral procession moved from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral, with a 21-gun salute fired from Akershus Fortress. Royal families and political leaders from more than 20 countries attended the ceremony.
Harald was widely known for maintaining a relatively informal public image while overseeing the Norwegian monarchy for more than three decades.
More than 46,000 people reportedly visited his coffin while he lay in state before the funeral.
Harald was succeeded by his son, King Haakon VIII.
The funeral marked the end of one of the largest ceremonial and security operations in recent Norwegian history and brought together large crowds in central Oslo to honour the late monarch.
SOURCES:
Associated Press — Norway bids farewell to King Harald V
The Guardian — King Harald V state funeral
