Prince William, the Prince of Wales, will represent King Charles III at the funeral of Norway's late King Harald on September 9, 2026, as confirmed by Buckingham Palace.
This event highlights the established protocol within the British monarchy where monarchs typically send family members to represent them at the funerals of fellow heads of state.
Last year, Prince William also attended the funeral of Pope Francis, showcasing his role as a key representative of the British royal family.
King Charles, 77, is currently undergoing treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer but has maintained a busy schedule. He expressed his sorrow over King Harald’s passing, describing him as a ‘dear cousin’.
King Charles III mourned the loss of King Harald, noting their connection as second cousins once removed, both being descendants of King Edward VII.
Source: Buckingham Palace
- Prince William to attend on September 9.
- King Charles unable to attend due to health reasons.
In a personal capacity, Princess Anne, King Charles's sister, will also attend the funeral as the godmother to Norway’s new king, Haakon VIII. This decision is in line with the longstanding ties between the British and Norwegian royal families.
The British monarchy's tradition of delegating royal duties underscores the importance of maintaining diplomatic relationships and honoring international protocols during significant events.