"O Lord, make me an instrument of your peace," says the Crown Princess, who reads Francis of Assisi's prayer about hope and light, among other things.
In the church, Speaker Masud Gharahkhani and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also pay tribute to the late king. Several members of the royal family are visibly moved, holding each other's hands and wiping away tears. The church's bright floral decorations are intended to evoke Norwegian nature.
Silent ranks
An hour before the funeral began, a mourning salute was heard over Oslo. The king's coffin, covered in a red shroud and adorned with white flowers, was carried out of the palace grounds and onto Karl Johans gate, which was lined with flags at half-mast.
After horses and a uniformed orchestra, a solemn King Haakon arrived, accompanied by Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Prince Sverre Magnus and Princess Märtha Louise. They were closely followed by King Carl Gustaf and Crown Princess Victoria, wearing a hat and sash, along with the rest of the royal family.
The dense crowd was silent, but phones were held up to film the historic event. Many wore black, others military uniforms, some folk costumes. Over 220,000 people were in place along the procession, according to Norwegian media.
I was very moved, it was like a silence had come in the middle of the sea of people, says lawyer Kristine Sørsteby Gilbo, who saw the funeral procession on Karl Johans gate.
It was special and dignified. King Harald has always been there and symbolized Norway.
Elise Løver and daughters Alima and Agnes Løver-Sumbunu watched the procession start at the castle, whose steps are surrounded by enormous amounts of flowers, mainly roses and chrysanthemums in various colors.
It was touching and very nice. Harald has been a unifying king for all of Norway, says Elise Løver.
Gigantic security effort
The security apparatus in Oslo is gigantic, especially outside the Grand Hotel where many royals and heads of state, including the Ukrainian presidential couple, are staying.
At the police checks towards the cordoned-off center, it is ensured that no one is carrying an umbrella or sharp objects.
Every two meters along the procession route, soldiers dressed in green with automatic weapons stand. In total, there are almost 2,000 soldiers on site, reports NRK. Police are also deployed nearby.
That Harald was a popular and inclusive monarch is emphasized by several of the spectators at the riot fence. Some say they look to the future with confidence, thanks to him.
We feel sadness, but it is unifying - not divisive, says civil servant Hans Bjørner.
