“There has been a great deal of anticipation in the streets of Oslo since early morning because of the funeral. Half the city has been closed to traffic, and the Norwegian people are showing great respect for their fallen king,” explains García, a psychologist by profession, who has been able to experience at close hand the solemn atmosphere in the capital. “I have seen hundreds of emotional people, some with tears in their eyes,” says the man from Zaragoza, surprised by the intensity with which Norwegians are following the events.
The funeral has also completely disrupted his sightseeing plans. Miguel Ángel had planned to visit Akershus Fortress, one of Oslo’s main landmarks, this Wednesday, but museums and numerous other sites remain closed because of the national mourning. Since the previous afternoon, much of the city center has also been closed to traffic, and it is only possible to cross it through certain areas designated for pedestrians. “I had tickets for Akershus Fortress, and everything has changed because of the funeral,” he says.
FLAGS AT HALF-MAST, GIANT SCREENS AND CITIZENS FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY
The country has deployed one of the largest security operations in its recent history to accompany the procession from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral
The streets of Oslo have filled with flags at half-mast, giant screens and citizens following the ceremony. On national television, presenters are dressed in black, and coverage of the funeral occupies much of the programming. García has also been able to hear the gun salutes and witness the extensive deployment of security forces and the military. “There is more respect for the flag than in Spain,” says the man from Zaragoza, impressed by the solemnity with which Norway is bidding farewell to Harald V.
The country has deployed one of the largest security operations in its recent history to accompany the procession from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral. Around 3,000 police officers and approximately 3,500 military personnel are taking part in the operation, with a significant ceremonial presence along the route. For Miguel Ángel, what began as a family holiday has thus become an unexpected opportunity to see firsthand how an entire country comes to a standstill to bid farewell to its king.
