Norway is mourning the death of King Harald V, who passed away at the age of 89 after a period of serious illness, the Norwegian Royal Palace announced on Friday.
Harald, Europe’s oldest reigning monarch, died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35 am on Friday, August 28, after being admitted to the hospital on August 17.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today. King Harald passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday, August 28 at 6:35 am,” (0435 GMT), the palace said in a statement.
Following his death, the Norwegian flag at the Royal Palace in Oslo was lowered to half-mast as members of the public gathered to pay their respects.
King Harald Battled Serious Health Problems
Harald had been receiving treatment for haemolytic anaemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed more quickly than the body can replace them. The condition can cause symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath.
His condition deteriorated significantly in the days before his death, with the palace describing it as “extremely serious” on Thursday.
Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, his wife Mette-Marit and their adult children gathered at the king’s bedside. Haakon reportedly remained at the hospital overnight as his father’s condition worsened.
Harald had experienced several health challenges in recent years, including infections and other conditions that eventually led to him having a pacemaker fitted. His official schedule had also been reduced because of his health.
Despite his declining health, Harald consistently rejected the idea of abdicating, saying he had made a lifelong oath before Norway’s parliament.
Norwegians Remember A Unifying Monarch
News of the king’s death prompted members of the public to gather outside the palace in Oslo, where they laid flowers and shared memories of the monarch.
Kaspara Bolstad, 24, described Harald as “a very steady and warm king”.
“I think the entire Norwegian people see him as a role model and as someone who brings people together. Whether you’re for or against the monarchy, I think he’s well-liked across the board,” she said.
Magnus Skaugseth, 27, also praised the late monarch’s inclusive approach to leadership.
“He was so inclusive and committed to having values that are inclusive in the society we live in today. When there is so much division and polarisation, he was a pillar pointing in the opposite direction,” Skaugseth said.
Harald became king in 1991 and remained a popular figure among Norwegians, largely because of his reputation for bringing people together and his modest, down-to-earth lifestyle.
Crown Prince Haakon Becomes King
Following Harald’s death, his 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, automatically succeeds him as Norway’s new monarch.
Haakon has long represented the royal family at official events and is expected to take on the responsibilities of the Norwegian throne following his father’s death.
The transition comes after a difficult period for Norway’s royal family, which has faced several health and personal challenges over the past year.
A Difficult Year For Norway’s Royal Family
King Harald was hospitalised in February after suffering an infection and dehydration while on a private trip to Tenerife with Queen Sonja.
Queen Sonja, also 89, was briefly hospitalised in May because of heart problems.
The family has also faced controversy surrounding Haakon’s wife, Mette-Marit, and her reported links to Jeffrey Epstein. Her son, Marius Borg Hoiby, has also faced significant legal problems and was sentenced in June to four years in prison following convictions for rape and other offences. He has appealed the verdict.
Mette-Marit has also faced serious health challenges of her own and underwent a lung transplant in July.
Despite the controversies and health difficulties surrounding the family, the Norwegian monarchy has maintained broad public support, with Harald’s long reign and reputation as a unifying and approachable monarch contributing significantly to its popularity.
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