Prince William to represent King Charles at King Harald funeral in Oslo

The Prince of Wales will attend the funeral of King Harald V of Norway in Oslo on Wednesday, Buckingham Palace has announced. Prince William will represent his father King Charles III, following the convention that the reigning British monarch does not usually attend the funerals of foreign heads of state.

Princess Anne also attending

Princess Anne, godmother to Norway's new King Haakon VIII, will also travel to Oslo in a personal capacity. Large crowds are expected on 9 September as a funeral procession makes its way to Oslo Cathedral, followed by a private burial at the Akershus Fortress royal mausoleum.

A modernising people's king

King Harald, who died last month at 89 after 35 years on the throne, was widely regarded as a down-to-earth and modernising figure. He broke with royal tradition by marrying a commoner and was seen as a unifying national force. His son, the new King Haakon VIII, paid an emotional televised tribute: Thank you for being such a good dad.

Haakon said his father embodied the values of a society built on law and justice, where everyone is of equal value. King Charles praised his cousin for serving his people with unwavering dedication and guiding Norway through change with warmth and humility. Thousands have already queued to pay their respects during the king's lying in state at the Royal Palace Chapel in Oslo.