Funeral procession beginspublished at 11:11 BST
11:11 BST
Lars Bevanger
in Oslo
Image source, Reuters
King Harald V’s funeral procession has just emerged from the royal palace, his coffin resting on a ceremonial low gun carriage pulled by a black military Mercedes 4×4 and flanked by pallbearers from members of the late King’s personal staff.
In front are mounted police, the King’s Royal Guard and the Norwegian Army Band, playing funeral music.
King Haakon VIII is walking behind his father’s coffin together with his children Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, and his sister Princess Märtha Louise. His wife, Queen Mette-Marit, and mother, Queen Sonja, are travelling in a royal car.
The first of 21 mourning cannon salutes can also be heard from nearby Akershus Fortress – the final resting place for King Harald V, as well as his parents and grand-parents.
A large number of royals from other European countries, Japan and the Middle East are also part of the procession, along with many visiting heads-of-state. The Prince of Wales is attending the funeral alongside Princess Anne.
Apart from the funeral music and cannon, it is remarkably silent despite the huge crowds.