WORLD : Royalty Attend Olav V’s Funeral
Royalty and statesmen from 100 countries attended the funeral today for King Olav V.
Black-clad horsemen, bands and military honor guards led the cortege from the palace, where Olav’s body had lain in state since his death Jan. 17, to the Lutheran cathedral.
Olav, 87, had been the world’s oldest reigning monarch and had been Norway’s “people’s king” for 33 years.
The one-hour church service, attended by 1,000 dignitaries, began with the ringing of bells. It was echoed throughout the country and followed by a minute of silence that brought traffic to a halt in some cities.
After the service, the cortege continued to Akershus fortress for private interment at the royal crypt. Afterward, a 42-cannon salute resounded over the capital.
Hundreds of people gathered in front of the palace through the afternoon, holding candles and flowers in the snow and waiting for a glimpse of the new king, Olav’s son, Harald V.
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