Norway’s King Harald has died at the age of 89, the Royal Palace announced on Friday, bringing an end to his 35-year reign as the country’s monarch.
The palace said King Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35am local time on Friday, after being admitted to the hospital earlier this month.
His death makes his 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, the new King of Norway under the country’s constitutional succession arrangements.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today,” the palace said in a statement.
Following the announcement, the Norwegian royal palace in Oslo lowered its flag to half-mast as members of the public gathered to mourn the monarch.
King Harald had been receiving treatment at Oslo University Hospital since August 17 after suffering from haemolytic anaemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed more rapidly than they are replaced.
The condition can cause symptoms including fatigue and shortness of breath. The King’s condition deteriorated sharply this week, with the palace describing it as “extremely serious” on Thursday.
Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, Haakon’s wife Mette-Marit and their adult children gathered at the hospital as the King’s condition worsened. Reports said Haakon remained at his father’s bedside overnight.
News of Harald’s death prompted an immediate public response across Oslo. Norwegians gathered outside the royal palace, leaving flowers and standing in groups to pay their respects.
Many remembered Harald as a unifying figure who remained popular across different sections of Norwegian society.
Kaspara Bolstad, 24, described him as a “very steady and warm king”, while praising his ability to bring people together.
Another Oslo resident, Magnus Skaugseth, said Harald represented inclusive values at a time of growing division and polarization.
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Harald became King of Norway in 1991, succeeding his father, King Olav V. During his reign, he became known for his relatively modest lifestyle and his efforts to remain connected with ordinary Norwegians.
He was Europe’s oldest reigning monarch at the time of his death. Harald experienced several health problems during his later years, including infections and other illnesses that occasionally required hospital treatment. He eventually had a pacemaker fitted and reduced his official duties because of his health.
Despite his declining health, Harald repeatedly ruled out abdication, saying he had made a lifelong commitment to serving the Norwegian people.
The Norwegian royal family has experienced several health and personal challenges over the past year. In February, Harald was hospitalized in Tenerife after suffering from an infection and dehydration while on a private holiday with Queen Sonja.
Queen Sonja, also 89, was briefly hospitalized in May because of heart problems. Crown Princess Mette-Marit has also faced serious health challenges and underwent a lung transplant in July after suffering from a chronic lung condition.
The Crown Princess has additionally faced scrutiny over her reported connections to convicted American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Her son, Marius Borg Høiby, has also been involved in legal proceedings and was sentenced in June to four years in prison following convictions on rape and other charges. He has appealed the verdict.
With Harald’s death, Crown Prince Haakon becomes Norway’s new monarch. The succession is automatic under Norway’s constitutional system, bringing the 53-year-old prince to the throne after decades as heir apparent.
Haakon is expected to continue many of the traditions associated with his father’s reign, including the monarchy’s emphasis on national unity and public service.
Despite the controversies surrounding some members of the royal family, the Norwegian monarchy remains broadly popular.
For many Norwegians, Harald’s long reign and reputation as a unifying and approachable monarch have played a major role in maintaining that public support. His death marks the end of an era for Norway as the country prepares to welcome a new king.
AFP
