Norway Mourns King Harald V as 35-Year Reign Comes to an End

Norway is mourning the death of King Harald V, who passed away on Friday, August 28, at the age of 89 after more than three decades on the throne.

The Norwegian Royal Palace said Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35am. His death came after his health deteriorated sharply in recent days.

Harald had been receiving treatment for haemolytic anaemia, a blood disorder that causes the rapid destruction of red blood cells. He had been admitted to hospital on August 17 and was later treated for a bacterial infection in his bloodstream after his condition worsened.

His final days saw members of the royal family gather at his bedside. His wife, Queen Sonja, his son Crown Prince Haakon and other members of the family cancelled engagements as doctors described his condition as extremely serious.

Harald’s death brings an end to a reign that began in 1991, following the death of his father, King Olav V. He became one of Europe’s longest-serving monarchs and, until his death, was the continent’s oldest reigning king.

Throughout his reign, Harald became known for presenting the Norwegian monarchy in a more open and modern way. He was widely respected for his warm public style and his emphasis on unity, inclusion and tolerance.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre described Harald as a monarch who helped bring people together and expressed gratitude for his more than three decades of service to the country.

Harald’s life was also shaped by Norway’s wartime history. As a child, he left the country with his mother and sisters during the Nazi occupation of Norway and spent part of his childhood in the United States before returning home after the Second World War.

His marriage to Sonja Haraldsen, a commoner, also marked a significant moment in Norwegian royal history. The couple married in 1968 after years of opposition to the relationship, eventually becoming one of the country’s most recognisable royal couples.

Harald was also known for his love of sport, particularly sailing. He represented Norway in sailing at three Olympic Games and remained active in the sport well into old age.

His death has immediately triggered a change at the top of the Norwegian monarchy. Crown Prince Haakon has automatically succeeded his father as king, taking over the throne at the age of 53.

Norwegian authorities have begun arrangements for the transition, with the government expected to meet the new monarch at the Royal Palace as the country prepares to formally bid farewell to a king who served Norway for more than 30 years.

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