The funeral procession for the late king proceeded over a period of approximately ten minutes. The structure of the current ceremony closely mirrored the rites observed in 1991, the year of Olaf V’s passing. During the procession, the new queen, Mette-Marit, and Harald’s widow, 89-year-old queen Sonja, who remains under house arrest, walked together behind the coffin, holding hands.
Participation in the solemn proceedings was granted to M. V. Hoby, 29, who is also under house arrest.
According to data provided by the prosecutor’s office, Hoby is also permitted to attend the king’s funeral scheduled for September 9. This participation follows his sentencing in June to four years in prison for two instances of rape and other charges, during which time he remains under house arrest pending the appeal court’s decision. On Friday evening, Harald’s remains were transported from the University Hospital in Oslo to the palace grounds.
Upon arrival, the coffin was formally laid to rest in the Red Hall, after which the deceased was interred in the palace chapel, concluding the official funeral rites.
Topics: #king #funeral #ceremony
