Representing the Dutch royal family were King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, the Crown Princess of the Netherlands, and Princess Beatrice, who was a dear friend of King Harald. Also present for the final farewell to King Harald were Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stèphanie of Luxembourg, as well as Grand Duke Henri. Representing the Spanish royal family were King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Queen Sofia, the king’s mother. The presence of Queen Emerita added special significance to the delegation: Sofia, like other European queens of her generation, shares personal and family ties that have bound the continent’s royal houses for decades.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium also attend the funeral. Their presence holds special significance: Last March, the couple made a state visit to Norway and were received by King Harald himself.
Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko of Japan were sent as representatives of Emperor Naruhito. Emperor Naruhito had attended the funeral of King Olav V—Harald’s father—in 1991, and last June, he met with Crown Prince Haakon during the latter’s visit to Tokyo.
Crown Prince Alois and Crown Princess Sophie represented the small country of Liechtenstein. From the principality of Monaco came Prince Albert with Princess Charlene, and from Jordan, King Abdullah arrived with Queen Rania. Prince Kyril of Bulgaria, a close friend of King Haakon of Norway with whom he shares a passion for surfing, also made sure not to miss the event, accompanied by Princess Rosario. Also in attendance were Prince Alexander of Serbia and Princess Katherine. Turki Bin Mohammed Bin Fahd Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud arrived from Saudi Arabia.
From the United Kingdom came Prince William, representing his father King Charles III, and Princess Anne. The latter, who is King Haakon VIII’s godmother, attended in a private capacity. King Harald and King Charles III were cousins, and the British monarch referred to Harald as his “dear cousin” when, following his death, he sent his condolences to the Norwegian royal family.
