King Harald V of Norway has passed away at the age of 89, after being hospitalised last week due to complications from a rare blood condition. The news was confirmed by the Royal Palace in Oslo on Friday, August 28, stating that the monarch died peacefully at 6:35 a.m. local time at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet.
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In an official statement, the palace expressed, “It is with deep grief that we announce that His Majesty King Harald has passed away.” Following this announcement, the royal flag above the palace was lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect for the late King. Harald had faced several health challenges in recent years and had been in and out of hospital for the past few weeks as his condition worsened.
King Harald was hospitalised for the second time in August, initially reported as a reaction to ongoing medical treatment. Soon after, his health declined further, and it was revealed he was being treated for a bloodstream bacterial infection. Family members, including Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon, were by his bedside as he succumbed to his illness.
The new monarch is Crown Prince Haakon, King Harald’s only son, who now takes on the responsibilities of the throne. King Harald’s legacy continues through his wife, Queen Sonja, their two children—Princess Märtha Louise and Prince Haakon—and his grandchildren. Members of the public began gathering at the Palace Square to lay flowers in honour of the King, displaying deep affection and respect for his reign.
King Harald V was celebrated for his down-to-earth approach and inclusivity during his time on the throne. In a notable speech in 2016, he conveyed a message of acceptance and love, saying, “Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who love boys, and girls and boys who love each other.” His words reflected a commitment to equality and resonated with a modern, diverse Norway.
Born on February 21, 1937, at Skaugum, near Oslo, King Harald was the only son of Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Märtha. He made history as the first prince born in Norway in nearly six centuries. His early life took a dramatic turn with the Nazi invasion of Norway in 1940, forcing the royal family to flee the country. For a time, they sought refuge in Sweden and ultimately settled in the United States.
Upon returning to Norway after the war, Harald studied at various military institutions and furthered his education at Balliol College, Oxford. His personal life was marked by a significant moment in August 1968 when he married Sonja Haraldsen in a ceremony that captured the nation’s attention, as she was considered a commoner.
King Harald’s ascension to the throne took place on January 17, 1991, following the death of his father, King Olav V. He was consecrated in a grand ceremony at Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim on June 23, 1991. Harald approached his role with a deep sense of duty, chairing the weekly Council of State and officially opening Norway’s parliament each year.
Throughout his reign, King Harald represented Norway on the world stage, participating in diplomatic missions and hosting global leaders. He fostered strong connections within European royal families, including the British royal family, often expressing admiration for their shared duties.
In addition to his royal commitments, King Harald was an avid supporter of sports and environmental efforts. He notably represented Norway in sailing at the Olympic Games and remained active in environmental conservation, serving as President of the Norwegian chapter of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF Norge) for two decades.
As the nation mourns the loss of King Harald, his commitment to Norway’s values and his connection with the people will be remembered as hallmarks of his reign. His popular motto, “We give our all for Norway,” continues to resonate strongly with citizens who appreciated his approachability and dedication to their collective identity.