King Charles May Skip King Harald’s Funeral — and Another Senior Royal Could Take His Place
King Harald and the late Queen Elizabeth were second cousins due to their shared royal lineage.
King Harald V of Norway passed away at the age of 89 on August 28 after suffering from prolonged health issues. He was a close friend and second cousin of King Charles, both of whom were descendants of British royalty. Charles honored Harald with an emotional statement, reflecting on their familial bond and praising his 35-year humble reign. "As Norway mourns the loss of so towering a figure, my whole family joins in remembering a much-loved kinsman and friend whose kindness, compassion and deep sense of duty echoed from across the sea and across the decades," the statement released by Buckingham Palace read. The late King's funeral service has been scheduled for 9th September at the Oslo Cathedral, and prominent dignitaries and members of the royal family from around the world are expected to attend. However, it has been reported that King Charles may not attend the service, and a senior royal may represent him instead.
Marie Claire reported that an ancient tradition practically forbids the monarch from paying his last respects to anyone other than a member of the royal family. The late Queen Elizabeth adhered to this rule by sending a representative. Typically, family members stepped in for the Queen at the funerals of foreign royals, popes, or world leaders. She only broke protocol twice, once to attend Winston Churchill's funeral and again to attend Margaret Thatcher's.
While the Royal Family has not confirmed attendees for the upcoming service, Charles is expected to uphold this tradition. Meanwhile, Prince William has represented his father at poignant services, such as Pope Francis's funeral in April 2025, so he might be going to Oslo.
However, Princess Anne has a closer bond with King Harald's family, being the godmother of Norway's new monarch, King Haakon, and it is most likely that she might be the one attending. Other godparents, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and Queen Margrethe of Denmark, are expected to attend King Harald's funeral next week.
The late King and Queen Elizabeth were second cousins through their shared royal lineage, which linked Charles and his siblings to the newly appointed King Haakon VIII.
King Harald's grandfather, King Haakon VII, had a significant relationship with King George V of England during World War II, when he sought refuge in the U.K. King Haakon VII also had a close bond with the future Queen Elizabeth, attending her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947, and was affectionately known as “Uncle Charlie” by her. Queen Elizabeth may have been inspired by her Uncle Charlie when naming her firstborn, King Charles, suggesting that both King Charles of England and the new King of Norway share the same namesake, People reported.
