• King Harald V of Norway was laid to rest after a national mourning period.
• The funeral was attended by numerous European royals and international dignitaries.
• A nationwide minute of silence marked the day in remembrance of the beloved monarch.
• Security for the event included the deployment of thousands of police and soldiers.
• The royal family greeted mourners from the palace balcony after the burial ceremony.

Norway commemorated the legacy of King Harald V during a state funeral on Wednesday, marking the culmination of 13 days of national mourning following his death at the age of 89. The day began with a nationwide minute of silence observed at Oslo Cathedral, attended by dignitaries including Britain’s Prince William and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, reflecting on Harald's role as a cohesive figure in modern Norway. The funeral procession from the royal palace to the cathedral saw thousands lining the streets to pay their respects, with the royal casket carried on an artillery carriage adorned with Norway’s royal banner and white flowers, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

The service featured emotional addresses, including one from Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who praised Harald's ability to connect with the people, calling him a "wonderful father" and a symbol of unity. Following the ceremony, four F-35 fighter jets performed a "missing man" formation flyover as society marked the loss of a monarch who made a significant impact during his 35-year reign, according to BBC and Reuters.

Notably, Queen Mette-Marit, who is still recovering from a lung transplant, and the late king's widow, Queen Sonja, attended the service in a car. Marius Borg Hoiby, Mette-Marit’s son facing legal issues, was granted permission to join the ceremony and was a pallbearer during the transfer of Harald's casket, which drew mixed reactions from the public, according to South China Morning Post.

The national mourning period officially concluded after the burial, during which citizens left tributes of flowers and candles outside the royal palace. Around 72% of Norwegians reportedly support the monarchy, a significant increase following the king's death, highlighting the enduring popularity of the royal institution amidst prior controversies involving the royal family, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.