King Harald V of Norway will be honored in a state funeral on September 9.
Norway is preparing for the state funeral of King Harald V, which will take place on September 9. The late monarch passed away at age 89 from complications related to hemolytic anemia. Following his death, his son, Haakon VIII, became King and his wife, Mette-Marit, became Queen. Authorities are coordinating the largest security operation in Norway's history for the event. Approximately 6,500 police officers and soldiers will be involved to secure the axis between the Royal Palace, Oslo Cathedral, and Akershus Fortress. Central Oslo will be closed to vehicle traffic during the ceremony. Queen Mette-Marit made her first official appearance as queen on Monday, joining a procession to move the King's coffin to the royal chapel. She is recovering from a lung transplant she underwent in June. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. at Oslo Cathedral. The public can pay their respects at the chapel starting Tuesday. Marius Borg Høiby, the Queen's son, will be granted temporary leave from house arrest to attend the funeral despite a recent rape conviction.
Sources
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