Watch live as King Harald V of Norway is laid to rest on Wednesday in a series of ceremonies marking the culmination of 13 days of national mourning, following his death at the age of 89. Harald spent more than three decades on the throne after gradually emerging from the shadow of his popular and charismatic father. A procession on foot from the royal palace to Oslo Cathedral will start at 12 noon local time ( ) followed by a church ceremony at about 1pm local time ( ).
The ceremony will begin with a nationwide minute of silence. Among the guests expected are Britain's Prince William and Princess Anne; Japan's Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko; Spain's King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Queen Sofia; Sweden's royal family; and Denmark's King Frederik and Queen Mary. Heads of state from around the world have also been invited.
Queen Mette-Marit, 53, is expected to attend but will travel by car with Harald's widow, Queen Sonja, 89, as she continues to recover from a lung transport undertaken in jUNE. Last week, Mette-Marit had to cancel plans to attend her husband King Haakon VII’s oath ceremony in parliament in parliament due to complications following her operation. After Wednesday's service, a smaller procession will accompany the coffin to the royal crypt at Akershus Fortress overlooking Oslo harbour.
There,Harald's coffin will be placed in a sarcophagus, alongside those of his parents. When Haakon emerges from the crypt, the national mourning period will formally end and flags that have flown at half-mast since Harald's death will be raised again. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
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