The memorial service for King Harald V is already underway at Oslo Cathedral, as Norway bids farewell to the monarch with a nationwide minute of silence and a state funeral. Among the guests are numerous European royals, as well as close relatives of the Norwegian royal family.
Marius Borg Høiby did not take part in the official procession through Oslo but arrived at the cathedral in time for the ceremony. According to Stuttgarter Zeitung, he arrived together with Princess Märtha Louise’s daughters. Relatives of Queen Mette-Marit also took their seats in the cathedral, including her mother, Marit Tjessem, and her brother, Espen B. Høiby.
Mette-Marit and Marius Were Not Part of the Funeral Procession
For the Norwegian royal family, the day began with a small, intimate gathering. King Haakon VIII and Queen Mette-Marit left Skaugum together, followed by Queen Sonja. Marius Borg Høiby was also reportedly traveling with the family, said to be in the same vehicle as Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus.
However, he did not take part in the official procession. Mette-Marit and her son were present at the ceremony but did not walk with the procession through the city. Inside the cathedral, however, both took part in the farewell to King Harald.
Carl Gustaf, Victoria, and Daniel Take Part in the Procession
The Swedish royals took a different approach. King Carl XVI Gustaf, Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, and Prince Carl Philip took part in the procession. Princess Sofia, Princess Madeleine, and Christopher O’Neill also joined the funeral procession.
Queen Silvia, however, did not participate in this part of the state funeral and was not seen at Oslo Cathedral until shortly before 12:30 p.m.
Victoria also played an active role during the ceremony by saying a prayer. King Harald V was her godfather, and she affectionately referred to him as “Uncle Harald.”
William, Anne, and Other Royal Families in Oslo
High-ranking members of other royal families also arrived in Oslo. The United Kingdom was represented by Prince William and Princess Anne.
King Frederik, Queen Mary, and Crown Prince Christian arrived from Denmark, while King Felipe and Queen Letizia represented Spain. Royal representatives from the Netherlands, Belgium, Monaco, Jordan, and Japan also attended.
Politicians were also among the guests. For example, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier walked alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the funeral procession.
Victoria Speaks and Åge Aleksandersen Performs in the Cathedral
The memorial service program includes speeches, prayers, and music. Norwegian singer Åge Aleksandersen will perform “Jørgen Hattemaker” by Alf Prøysen together with Tuva Syvertsen and Andreas Aase. The Oslo Cathedral Choir will also participate.
The ceremony will be led by Olav Fykse Tveit, with Oslo Bishop Sunniva Gylver also taking part. The President of the Storting and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre will deliver commemorative speeches, while representatives of various religions and worldviews will light candles.
The royal family, international guests, and close associates of the late king will gather in the cathedral to pay their final respects.
