Norway is bidding a final farewell to King Harald V, with European royalty and world leaders gathering in Oslo for the state funeral of the monarch, who died on August 28 aged 89 after more than 35 years on the throne.

The funeral procession began at the Royal Palace before making its way to Oslo Cathedral, where the main service is being held.

The Norwegian Royal Family is being led by Crown Prince Haakon, Harald’s son and successor.

Queen Sonja, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Prince Sverre Magnus and other members of the family are also participating in the ceremonies.

Among the prominent international guests is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who arrived in Oslo ahead of the funeral.

The British Royal Family is represented by Prince William, while Princess Anne is also attending.

Spain’s King Felipe VI is among the European monarchs present, while Japan is represented by Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko on behalf of Emperor Naruhito.

European royal houses have also sent senior representatives, including the royal families of Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

The service at Oslo Cathedral is being led by Presiding Bishop Olav Fykse Tveit, with Oslo Bishop Sunniva Gylver also taking part.

A nationwide minute of silence is being observed at the start of the service.

After the cathedral service, the funeral procession will continue to Akershus Fortress, where King Harald will be laid to rest in the Royal Mausoleum alongside earlier Norwegian monarchs.

Large crowds have gathered in Oslo to honour the late king, with thousands of Norwegians already having visited his coffin at the Royal Palace to pay their respects.

The funeral will mark the end of Norway’s national mourning period and the beginning of a new chapter under King Haakon.

Harald’s life and reign

King Harald V was born on February 21, 1937, in Oslo, the only son of King Olav V and Crown Princess Märtha of Norway.

He became King of Norway on January 17, 1991, following the death of his father, and reigned for more than 35 years.

A keen sailor and Olympian, Harald represented Norway in sailing at three Olympic Games. He also won a gold medal at the 1968 European Championships.

He was married to Queen Sonja, with whom he had two children, Princess Märtha Louise and Crown Prince Haakon.