Spain’s King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Queen Sofía Europe’s royals for emotional farewell to Norway’s King Harald

It was a day filled with tradition, emotion and quiet dignity as Spain’s King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and Queen Sofía joined royal families from across Europe to honour the late King Harald V of Norway at his state funeral in Oslo.

The Spanish royals travelled to the Norwegian capital on Wednesday to pay their respects to one of Europe’s longest-serving monarchs, standing alongside kings, queens, princes and presidents in a ceremony that marked the end of an era for Norway.

King Harald died on August 28 at the age of 89 after a period of ill health. During his 35-year reign, he earned a reputation as a modern and approachable monarch who guided Norway through decades of change while remaining deeply respected by the Norwegian people.

Solemn procession through Oslo

Dressed in black, King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Queen Sofía joined mourners as the royal procession made its way from the Royal Palace through the streets of Oslo to Oslo Cathedral.

Thousands of Norwegians lined the route in silence as the coffin was escorted through the city before a state funeral attended by representatives from more than 20 countries. Members of Europe’s royal houses, including the British, Swedish, Danish, Dutch, Belgian and Jordanian families, were also present for the historic occasion.

Following the cathedral service, King Harald was laid to rest during a private burial at Akershus Fortress, where generations of Norwegian monarchs are buried.

A close royal relationship

The Spanish Royal Household had expressed its condolences shortly after King Harald’s death, praising his “dignity, humility and dedication” throughout his reign and acknowledging the close ties between the Spanish and Norwegian royal families.

The funeral also marked the beginning of a new chapter for Norway’s monarchy, with Harald’s son now reigning as King Haakon VIII.

For Queen Letizia, the visit attracted additional attention after she was photographed arriving in Oslo carrying a copy of Flaubert’s Parrot by British author Julian Barnes, who recently received Spain’s Princess of Asturias Award for Literature.

Although the occasion was one of mourning, the gathering highlighted the enduring bonds between Europe’s royal families, with Spain’s monarchs joining world leaders and fellow royals in a final tribute to a king remembered for his service, humility and unwavering commitment to his country.