LIVE: Prince William and Princess Anne Attend King Harald’s Funeral – as it happened

Prince William was spotted greeting the royals who had gathered for King Harald's funeral service in Oslo on Wednesday. It was a rare light moment on an otherwise emotionally heavy day. 

After a heart-touching service for King Harald, Prince William and Princess Anne departed Oslo Cathedral. The Princess Royal has a hectic schedule ahead of her on Thursday, with public engagements lined up in London and Lincolnshire. 

The Norwegian royal family must have certainly appreciated their support at such a solemn time. 

Having served in the British military before becoming a full-time working royal, Prince William wore his RAF No 1 uniform with the Garter Sash and RAF Pilot Wings at Queen Elizabeth's funeral in 2022. However, at King Harald's funeral on Wednesday, he opted to wear a dark suit instead of his military uniform.

That is because the Prince of Wales does not have the Order of St. Olav, Norway's highest decoration. It is rewarded to individuals for remarkable achievements on behalf of the country. Foreign heads of state can also be appointed to the Order as a courtesy. 

Queen Elizabeth and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were part of the Order. The latter returned the honor earlier this year. 

While Princess Anne is the godmother to King Harald's son, the two share another connection. Both of them are Olympians. The late monarch represented Norway at the Olympic Games three times - Tokyo 1964, Mexico City 1968, and Munich 1972. The Princess Royal debuted at the coveted tournament at the very next edition - Montreal 1976. 

Prince William and Princess Anne walked behind King Harald's coffin alongside Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko of Japan. Royal family members from across the world travelled to Norway to attend the late monarch's funeral on Wednesday. 

King Harald's funeral is not the first time that Prince William has represented King Charles at a solemn occasion. Last year, the Prince of Wales stepped in for the monarch for Pope Francis' funeral in the Vatican City. 

While Prince William represents King Charles at King Harald's funeral on Wednesday, Princess Anne attends in a personal capacity. The Princess Royal is the godmother to the new King Haakon.

A day after dropping Prince George at Eton College, Prince William has travelled to Oslo. On Wednesday, he and Princess Anne stepped in for King Charles to attend King Harald's funeral in Norway. 

Following the precedent set by Queen Elizabeth, King Charles will not be attending King Harald's funeral service in Oslo. The late monarch did not attend funerals of other Heads of State, with the exception of King Baudouin of Belgium's 1993 service. 

As the Prince of Wales, Charles stepped in for the Queen for major funeral services. A duty that is now being fulfilled by Prince William.