Donald Trump skipped King Harald V’s state funeral in Oslo as he traveled to Texas for the Republican National Committee Midterm Convention.
The U.S. president did not attend the Sept. 9 service at Oslo Cathedral, where royals and world leaders gathered to honor the late Norwegian monarch. Instead, Trump prepared to speak at the two-day Republican gathering in Dallas.
Donald Trump skips King Harald V’s funeral while preparing to address Republicans in Texas
Trump, 80, planned to deliver remarks at the RNC Midterm Convention on Wednesday. He was also scheduled to close the event on Sept. 10 after Vice President JD Vance spoke.
According to PEOPLE, his absence stood out as representatives from several royal families attended King Harald’s funeral.
King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Queen Sofía represented Spain. King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and other Dutch royals also attended.
Members of the Swedish, Danish, Belgian and Jordanian royal families joined the service as well. Japan sent Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Akishino.
King Harald died on Aug. 28 at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet. He was 89. He had spent nearly two weeks receiving treatment for a rare blood condition.
Trump previously honored the monarch in a Truth Social post after his death.
“Very sad to hear about the passing of King Harald of Norway — a strong, proud, and greatly respected man,” Trump wrote.
He added, “Our hearts are with the Royal Family, and all of Norway, during this difficult time. A truly BIG loss!”
Trump was not the only major leader who missed the funeral.
King Charles also stayed away in keeping with a long-standing British royal tradition. British monarchs rarely attended funerals of other heads of state.
Prince William attended as King Charles’ representative. Princess Anne also joined the service in a private capacity because she is King Haakon’s godmother.
While international dignitaries gathered in Oslo, Trump focused on the Republican convention in Texas and his upcoming remarks.
