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3,000 Police, 3,500 Soldiers Secure Harald V Funeral

9/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

King Haakon VIII led the state funeral for his father King Harald V on September 9.
Approximately 3,000 police officers and 3,500 soldiers secured the ceremony, the largest police operation in history.
Over 46,000 people filed past the coffin during lying-in-state, with queues up to seven hours.
Monarchs of Sweden, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Jordan, Prince William and Crown Prince Akishino attended.

History

Historical Context

King George VI died on 6 February 1952 and his state funeral on 15 February marked the first post-World-War-II royal burial. Over 304,000 citizens filed past his coffin in Westminster Hall, while foreign monarchs from Denmark, Greece and Sweden and President of France Vincent Auriol attended. The televised procession and naval gun-carriage, a tradition begun with Queen Victoria, shaped later ceremonies such as Queen Elizabeth II’s 2022 funeral.

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Story summary

King Haakon VIII led the state funeral for his father King Harald V on September 9.
Approximately 3,000 police officers and 3,500 soldiers secured the ceremony, the largest police operation in history.
Over 46,000 people filed past the coffin during lying-in-state, with queues up to seven hours.
Monarchs of Sweden, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Jordan, Prince William and Crown Prince Akishino attended.

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