Thousands of Norwegian police and military personnel have been sent to Oslo to safeguard the funeral on Wednesday for King Harald V. It’s attracting royalty and heads of state from around the world, and security measures will be strict in the downtown area.
The monarch’s funeral is being characterized as the biggest assignment ever for the Norwegian police, and they’re getting lots of help from the military. King Harald, who died at an age of 89, had four-star ranking in all branches of Norway’s military himself, and duty at his funeral is widely viewed as an honor for those flown in to the Norwegian capital.
More than 100 countries are due to be represented at the funeral. Tradition calls for royal guests and other dignitaries to follow King Harald’s casket on foot as it’s rolled down the main boulevard through downtown Oslo from the Royal Palace to the Oslo cathedral. Those physically unable to participate can be driven, but in a very slow moving funeral procession.
After funeral services at the cathedral, there will be another funeral procession to the historic Akershus fortress where King Harald’s casket will be placed in the royal mausoleum. With so much of it all taking place outdoors, security needs to be especially strict.
Police officer Tomm Berger has confirmed that the scope of the security will be the largest ever in Norway, with reinforcements sent in from many other police districts and military bases. “It will certainly be the largest police operation ever,” Berger told newspaper Dagsavisen. He had claimed they’d also be able to handle the situation even if US President Donald Trump had decided to fly in for King Harald’s funeral, but on Monday came confirmation that he won’t be attending.
Many other heads of state will, including the kings and queens of European countries along with prime ministers and the German chancellor. The British King Charles was quick to send condolences to Norway’s Queen Sonja “and all her family.” He won’t be attending but his son and heir Prince William and King Charles’ sister Princess Anne will come to Oslo.
The entire Swedish royal family will be attending the King Harald’s funeral. Swedish police are also arriving to help the Norwegians, after they were asked to contribute special police dogs trained to detect explosives.
“We don’t fear anything,” Berger insisted. “We have laid good plans are are prepared for what can happen, but there’s no doubt there will be very many people gathered in a relatively small area. That can present challenges, but we hope and think that most all simply want to contribute to the ceremonial and somber occasion in a dignified manner.”
Much of the downtown area and the route along Karl Johans Gate will be cordoned off, especially for vehicles. The public is being asked to use public transport even though some of it will be restricted as well. The metro system known as T-bane will operate as normal but the Stortinget station under the Parliament will be closed, meaning those heading into downtown must get off at either the National Theater or Central stations.
The tram line known as trikken won’t be running through downtown, with most lines cancelled between Solli Plass and the Central Station. Some alternative bus service will be available. It was raining in Oslo on Monday but the weather forecast calls for sunshine on Wednesday, welcome since no umbrellas will be allowed near the parade route.
At least 1,500 police officers will be on duty downtown, while military personnel are due to line the streets along the funeral procession. Police and other security officials have already been seen securing buildings along the funeral route including suites at the Grand Hotel that face out to the Karl Johans Gate. The public was also urged to avoid the main E6 highway northeast of Oslo, because that’s where many dignitaries arriving for the funeral at the main Oslo airport at Gardermoen will be driven into town in specially secured convoys.
NewsinEnglish.no/Nina Berglund
