Prince William is set to represent King Charles at the funeral of Norway’s King Harald V, and the late Queen Elizabeth II and King Harald were second cousins, sharing the same great-grandparents, King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, according to The Guardian.

Historical Ties and Previous Visits

In April last year, William represented his father at the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican. In 2018, William and the now Princess of Wales carried out an official tour to Norway, dining with King Harald and Queen Sonja at the Royal Palace. During the visit, Harald described them as ‘family’ and praised their support of the then Queen.

The Norwegian sovereign processed into the banquet arm in arm with the pregnant Catherine, who was expecting Prince Louis and wearing a flowing Alexander McQueen gown. The gesture was mirrored by Sonja and William, who walked behind them, as William and Kate also spent time visiting the ski slopes with the then Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, now the King and Queen.

Significance of the Attendance

William’s attendance at King Harald’s funeral shows the deep historical ties between the British and Norwegian royal families, though the gesture reflects a longstanding relationship that dates back to the late Queen Elizabeth II’s connection with King Harald. The funeral is expected to be a significant event, highlighting the respect and mourning of a monarch who was a close relative and a valued figure in European royalty.

Previous Representation and Diplomatic Gestures

William’s role as a representative is not new, but he has previously taken on such duties, including representing his father at the funeral of Pope Francis. These actions demonstrate the importance of diplomatic representation within the royal family and the personal connections that are maintained through such events.

The visit in 2018 was a clear example of the warmth and familial bonds between the two royal families — the shared moments, from formal dinners to casual ski visits, highlight the personal and diplomatic significance of such interactions. King Harald’s description of William and Kate as ‘family’ emphasized the close-knit nature of their relationship.