Overview
- Prince William will represent his father at the state funeral for King Harald V in Oslo, which is set for Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
- Princess Anne will attend the service in a private capacity as godmother to the new monarch, King Haakon VIII.
- Buckingham Palace said the decision follows a long-standing convention that a reigning British monarch generally does not attend funerals of other heads of state.
- Norway will hold a public procession and a service at Oslo Cathedral followed by a private burial at the royal mausoleum in Akershus Fortress, and a large gathering of European royals is expected.
- The delegation creates short-term practical pressure for William because Prince George’s start at Eton falls around the same time, and the funeral doubles as an early public moment for King Haakon after his accession.