Norway’s King Harald dies at 89; Haakon VIII succeeds him

OSLO – Norway’s King Harald V has died at the age of 89. The Royal Palace announced that the monarch died peacefully at 6:35 a.m. Friday at the National Hospital in Oslo, following a period of declining health.

Harald had reigned since 1991 and was Europe’s oldest monarch. He was particularly popular in Norway and was known as an accessible, socially engaged king who maintained a close connection with the public.

His condition had deteriorated in recent days after complications related to anaemia and a bloodstream infection. Members of the royal family visited him during his final days.

His 53-year-old son has succeeded him as King Haakon VIII. Haakon had already been serving as regent during his father’s illness. A special meeting of the Council of Ministers will formally mark the transition.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre praised Harald as a monarch who had “unwavering faith in the Norwegian people” and devoted his life to the country. Norwegian broadcaster NRK described his death as the end of an era.

King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands also expressed their deep sorrow. They praised Harald for serving Norway with love, pride and conviction, concluding their message with the Norwegian words “Takk for alt”—thank you for everything.