OSLO — Norway has formally concluded its period of national mourning for King Harald V, with large crowds gathering in Oslo for a state funeral that brought together members of European royal families and political leaders from around the world.

The funeral ceremony was held in Oslo on September 9, but fresh coverage of the event is being published on September 10, including reports highlighting the scale of the ceremony and the public response.

King Harald V died on August 28 at the age of 89 after spending 35 years on the Norwegian throne. His death brought an end to one of the longest modern royal reigns in Europe.

Thousands of people lined the streets of Oslo as the king’s coffin was carried from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral. A 21-gun salute accompanied the procession, while members of Norway’s armed forces formed an extensive ceremonial guard along the route.

The ceremony attracted members of several European royal families, including representatives from the United Kingdom, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was also among the international political figures attending the funeral.

Harald was widely regarded as a monarch who maintained a close connection with ordinary Norwegians. During his reign, he helped modernize the Norwegian monarchy while retaining strong public support for the institution.

His son, Haakon VIII, succeeded him as king following his death and took part in the funeral procession alongside other members of the royal family.

The funeral also represented the end of 13 days of national mourning. Norwegian authorities had prepared a major security operation in Oslo because of the large crowds and the presence of numerous international dignitaries. More than 46,000 people had previously visited the royal chapel to pay their respects to the late monarch.

Following the cathedral service, Harald’s coffin was taken to the royal mausoleum at Akershus Fortress, where he was laid to rest alongside members of Norway’s royal family.

The ceremony has marked a significant transition for Norway as the country begins a new chapter under King Haakon VIII while remembering the long public service of his father.