UK Armed Forces Honour Late King of Norway at Emotional Oslo Funeral

On Wednesday, a distinguished assembly of Royal Marines and British Army personnel gathered to pay their respects at the funeral of King Harald V of Norway, which took place in Oslo. The event marked a significant occasion, reflecting the deep-rooted ties between the Norwegian monarchy and the British Armed Forces.

A ceremonial detachment of 20 Royal Marines was present, strategically positioned along the route of the funeral procession, showcasing their commitment to honouring the late monarch. In addition, members from the 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, participated in this solemn tribute, further emphasising the close relationship between the two nations.

A Legacy of Military Connection

King Harald V, who passed away on 28 August, held a distinguished 45-year association with the British Armed Forces, serving as an Honorary Colonel in the UK Royal Marines and an Honorary General in the British Army. His annual engagements with the leadership of UK Commando Forces underscored his unwavering dedication and keen interest in the Corps, which he actively supported throughout his reign.

The late king’s familial connections to the British military extend back to his father, King Olav V, who was made an Honorary Admiral in the Royal Navy in 1958. In a notable event in 1961, both King Olav and his son, then Crown Prince Harald, were welcomed aboard the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Hermes during her visit to Oslo, further solidifying the historic ties between the two royal families.

Groundbreaking Appointments and Visits

In March 1981, Crown Prince Harald was appointed Honorary Colonel of the Royal Marines by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, marking a significant milestone as it was the first time a member of a foreign royal household received such an honour within the Corps. His initial visit to the Royal Marines occurred later that same year, where he toured CTCRM Lympstone and RM Bickleigh. During this visit, he witnessed a cliff assault by 40 Commando and observed a demonstration of jungle warfare training conducted by 42 Commando.

Throughout his reign, King Harald V maintained a strong connection with the Royal Marines, evident in his visit to Royal Marines from X Company, 45 Commando, at Vaernes Camp in Norway in 2018. This visit took place during Exercise Trident Juncture, NATO’s largest collective defence exercise in a decade. During his time there, he received a briefing on the Corps’ pivotal role in the exercise and participated in celebrations commemorating the 354th birthday of the Royal Marines.