Sep 10, Kathmandu - Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Oslo to pay their final respects to King Harald V of Norway. The 89-year-old monarch, who passed away on August 28, was memorialized in a grand funeral procession that began from the royal palace and moved towards Oslo Cathedral on Wednesday.

As the funeral procession commenced, a salute of 21 guns was fired across Oslo. The casket, draped in the Norwegian national flag, was carried by senior members of the royal family, including his son, King Haakon VIII. King Harald, who ascended the throne 35 years ago, was noted for being Europe's longest-reigning monarch at the time of his death and the oldest active king.

The streets of Oslo were filled with citizens, many holding national flags, as they gathered within security barriers along the route to pay their last respects. The ceremony saw participation from European royals and dignitaries, including members of the royal families of Sweden, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Jordan. Prominent figures such as Britain’s Prince William and Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino also attended the solemn event.

King Harald V was known for his efforts to modernize the Norwegian monarchy. Despite his advanced age and recent health issues that led some European monarchs to abdicate, he chose to remain on the throne until the end, exemplifying his dedication to his country and people.