Prince William to represent Charles at funeral of Norway's King Harald

Prince William will represent his father, King Charles, at the funeral of Norway's former King Harald next week, according to Buckingham Palace. The 77-year-old prince, who is currently receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, will attend the service on September 9 at Oslo Cathedral, alongside his sister Princess Anne, who will attend as the godmother of the newly crowned King Haakon VIII.

This arrangement follows King Charles' own attendance at the funeral of Pope Francis last year, on behalf of the monarch. While British monarchs typically do not attend funerals of other heads of state and instead send a representative, Charles has released a statement expressing his grief over the passing of his "dear cousin" King Harald, who was a distant relative and shared a common ancestry with the British royal family.

Harald, who ruled Norway for 35 years and was known for his approachable and humorous demeanor, has been remembered as an inclusive "people's king" who modernized the Norwegian monarchy during his reign. His funeral will be attended by his widow Queen Sonja, among other mourners.