Prince William, the Prince of Wales, will attend the funeral of Norway’s King Harald V on Wednesday in Oslo, representing his father King Charles.

Also attending in a personal capacity is Princess Anne, who is godmother to Norway’s new monarch, King Haakon VIII.

King Harald, who died at age 89 last month, was a popular, modernising figure. His son King Haakon delivered an emotional televised speech, thanking him for his fatherly love and leadership.

Royal sources say Prince William’s attendance follows the convention that the monarch does not normally attend another head of state’s funeral. The service, including a procession and a ceremony at Oslo Cathedral, will be followed by a private burial in the royal mausoleum at Akershus Fortress.

Thousands have queued to pay their respects to the late king during his lying in state in the Royal Palace Chapel.