Norway’s King Harald V has passed away at the age of 89, as announced by the Norwegian royal palace on Friday, August 28, marking the end of his long reign.
The palace reported that the monarch died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35 a.m. local time (0435 GMT) after being hospitalized for nearly two weeks.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the news of His Majesty King Harald’s passing today,” the palace mentioned in their statement.
Following the announcement, the Norwegian flag at the Royal Palace in Oslo was lowered to half-mast, as the nation began to mourn its long-serving leader.
Having ascended to the throne in 1991, King Harald was Europe’s oldest reigning king. His 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, automatically becomes king in accordance with Norway’s constitutional rules of succession.
King Harald’s Final Days
The king had been under treatment since August 17 at Oslo University Hospital, suffering from haemolytic anaemia, a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced. This condition leads to severe fatigue and shortness of breath.
With worsening health, the royal family gathered at the hospital on Thursday after the palace declared his condition extremely serious.
Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and their children spent considerable time by his side. Norwegian media noted that Crown Prince Haakon stayed overnight as his father’s health declined.
Public Tributes to King Harald
Hundreds of people gathered outside the Royal Palace in central Oslo for a second day, laying flowers and paying tribute to the monarch.
Many mourners described King Harald as a unifying figure symbolizing stability and continuity in Norwegian society.
Kaspara Bolstad, 24, praised Harald as “a very steady and warm king,” noting his status as a role model and unifier for the Norwegian people.
Another mourner, Skaugseth, commended the late king for fostering inclusion and social unity.
“He was so inclusive and dedicated to upholding values that promote inclusivity in our society,” Skaugseth remarked.
An Era Ends with King Harald’s Reign
King Harald became Norway’s monarch on January 21, 1991, succeeding his father, King Olav V. Throughout his more than three-decade-long reign, he was a respected figure both at home and abroad.
His period on the throne was marked by dedication to public service, national unity, and upholding the modern constitutional monarchy of Norway.
With his passing, Norway welcomes a new royal era under King Haakon, who is anticipated to take on his duties following his father’s death.
