King Harald V of Norway has died at the age of 89, bringing to an end his 35-year reign as head of state. Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, he was one of Europe’s longest-serving monarchs.
The Royal Palace announced that Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet at 6:35 a.m. local time on Friday, August 28. His death came after his condition deteriorated significantly in recent days, with members of the royal family gathering at the hospital to be by his side.
“A whole nation is in mourning,” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said following the announcement. He praised Harald for demonstrating an “unwavering faith in the Norwegian people” and helping the country through some of its darkest moments.
Harald’s son Haakon has succeeded his father as king, beginning a new era for Norway’s royal family.
King Harald Had Suffered Serious Health Problems
King Harald V had been hospitalized since August 17. He was receiving treatment for a bacterial blood infection, with his condition deteriorating in recent days. It was the latest in a frequent collection of health problems for the monarch in the last few years.
These health conditions led to the monarch reducing his official duties, but he rejected suggestions that he should abdicate. King Harald V instead argued that the oath he had taken upon being crowned was for life.
Harald ascended the throne following the death of his father, King Olav V, in 1991. An accomplished sailor who represented Norway at three Olympic Games, he established a reputation as a modern and approachable monarch. The king took considerable efforts to modernise the monarchy and took a down-to-earth approach to his rule.
According to BBC News, King Harald V was the first king born in Norway for hundreds of years. His son Haakon is due to hold an extraordinary council of state meeting later today.
King Charles III sent his “most heartfelt condolences” to Norway and the royal family, while King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden also paid tribute. He called King Harald V “a good friend to me, my family and to Sweden,” and went on to wish Haakon “success and good fortune.”
King Harald Broke Royal Tradition to Marry Queen Sonja
One of King Harald’s most notable moments came when he broke with royal tradition when he married his wife. Queen Sonja was a commoner rather than a member of a royal household, making it controversial among some in Norway.
The pair met in 1959 at a party, with Sonja Haraldsen being the daughter of a businessman. His father and others initially opposed the relationship. King Olav V wanted his son to marry a European princess but eventually allowed the marriage to go ahead nine years later. They were married for almost 58 years at the time of his death.
Their wedding set a new precedent, with both of his own children also choosing to marry commoners.
