Royal family members from across Europe turned out in force to remember King Harald at his state funeral on Wednesday. 

Prince William and Princess Anne led the arrivals at Oslo Cathedral following a funeral procession from the palace to honour the late Norwegian King, who passed away on 28 August, aged 89. 

They followed a strict dress code, with Harald’s widow, Queen Sonja, 89, wearing a traditional black lace mourning veil to shield her face. 

Meanwhile, Queen Mette-Marit, 53, Harald’s daughter-in-law, and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, his granddaughter, wore subtle netted veils over their faces. 

Queen Sonja of Norway arrives for the funeral ceremony of late King Harald V of Norway in front the Cathedral in Oslo on September 9, 2026.© AFP via Getty ImagesQueen Sonja of Norway wore a mourning veil

Queen Mary of Denmark and Princess Charlene of Monaco were also spotted wearing an elegant take on the mourning veil. 

Following King Harald’s passing, his son Haakon has become King, while Mette-Marit is now the Queen Consort of Norway. 

Princess Ingrid is now heir to the throne, with Prince Sverre Magnus, 20, second in line.

WATCH: Prince William and Princess Anne follow behind King Harald’s funeral

Why are mourning veils worn at funerals, and are they obligatory?

Though they are not obligatory, royal women traditionally wear black mourning veils at the funeral of a sovereign. 

They are both symbolic and practical, as a sign of respect and to shield the wearer from public scrutiny. 

King Haakon VIII of Norway (tL), Queen Mette-Marit of Norway (C) and Queen Sonja of Norway arrive to attend the funeral service for Norway's late King Harald V at the Oslo Cathedral in Oslo, Norway, on September 9, 2026. © POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesMette-Marit also wore a netted veil attached to her hat

Typically, they are made from lace, tulle, or fine netting material, meaning the wearer can still see through them. 

The long-standing tradition was made famous when Queen Victoria spent 40 years wearing black as a tribute to her late husband, Prince Albert. 

Queen Mary of Denmark during the funeral of King Harald V of Norway on September 09, 2026 in Oslo, Norway. Born on February 21, 1937, King Harald V of Norway was the first Norwegian-born monarch to inherit the Norwegian throne in over 600 years, reigning from 1991 until his death on August 28, 2026© Getty ImagesQueen Mary looked regal in her respectful ensemble

Following in her footsteps, the late Princess Diana was seen wearing a black veil at Grace Kelly’s funeral in 1982, while Princess Kate wore a veil at the funerals of Prince Philip and the late Queen, in 2021 and 2022 respectively. 

Often, the veil doesn’t cover the full face and is attached to the wearer via a headband or a hat. 

Princess Diana wore a veil at Grace Kelly's funeral in 1982© Mirrorpix via Getty ImagesPrincess Diana wore a veil at Grace Kelly’s funeral in 1982

Danielle Stacey, HELLO!’s Royal Correspondent, explained previously: “Dressing head-to-toe in black is typically reserved for funerals and remembrance. 

“Coincidentally, a black outfit is an essential item when all royals travel overseas, so that they are appropriately dressed in the event of a family death when they are abroad.” 

The dress code at a royal funeral abroad

Marta Callejo, image consultant and protocol expert, told HELLO!’s sister publication, HOLA! how British and Norwegian mourning can differ. 

“At a royal funeral, the protocol doesn’t aim to highlight the person following it, but rather to build a collective image, fundamentally one of respect,” Marta explained.

“I think that, nowadays, we could say that protocol doesn’t consist of applying a list of prohibitions, but rather in understanding what each ceremony needs and adapting our image to it.”

Prince William at Harald's funeral© Getty ImagesPrince William did not wear military uniform

“The goal is not to draw attention with black, but to visually disappear behind the meaning of the act,” he points out.

It means an array of simple silhouettes, structured coats, dresses, or suits with clean lines are often on display. 

Other royal funeral dress traditions include wearing black and, for those who hold a military rank, wearing a uniform.

Prince William, however, did not wear uniform at King Harald’s funeral as he does not have the Order of St Olav. 

Who is attending King Harald’s funeral?

Prince William is attending in an official capacity to represent his father, King Charles III. Meanwhile, Princess Anne made a “personal” appearance, as she is godmother to the new King Haakon. 

The Norwegian monarchy, including Queen Sonja, King Haakon, and Queen Mette-Marit, is attending the service before appearing on the royal balcony. 

King Harald in black and white King Harald of Norway’s funeral is taking place on Wednesday

Meanwhile, representatives from the Swedish, Danish, and Dutch royal houses are among those attending from the European royal houses. 

Queen Margrethe of Denmark is one royal who isn’t attending, however, as she was taken to hospital over the weekend due to a blood clot and dehydration. 

The Palace announced that the 86-year-old will be spending time away from the spotlight to recover and would no longer be travelling to Norway for the funeral.