- King Harald of Norway has died at the age of 89, as confirmed by the royal palace on Friday.
- Haakon, the son of King Harald, has succeeded him as the new king of Norway.
- King Harald was born on 21 February 1937 on the Skaugum estate near Oslo and became crown prince in 1957.
- He married commoner Sonja in 1968 after a nine-year wait, breaking royal tradition.
- Harald ascended to the throne in 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav.
- He faced significant challenges during his reign, including the 2011 terror attacks in Norway.
- Due to health issues, he reduced his public engagements in April 2024.
- He was hospitalized on 17 August for a rare blood condition, haemolytic anaemia.
Norway's King Harald V, who passed away at the age of 89, was a transformative monarch who redefined the royal role in modern society. He died peacefully at 06:35 local time on Friday after being hospitalized for a rare blood condition.12
The royal palace confirmed his death, stating that family members had visited him in his final hours, and the royal flag was lowered to half-mast in his honor. Harald was Norway's first king born in the country since the 14th century and was known for his down-to-earth demeanor, earning him the affectionate title of “People's king.”
During his reign, which lasted over 35 years, Harald modernized the monarchy, promoting transparency and egalitarianism. He broke royal tradition by marrying a commoner, which endeared him to the public. His leadership was particularly noted during national tragedies, such as the 2011 Oslo and Utøya attacks, where he urged Norwegians to support one another and resist fear.
Despite facing personal challenges, including health issues and family scandals, Harald remained a respected figure. His son, Haakon, 53, will now take the throne, continuing the legacy of a monarchy that has evolved under Harald's guidance.3
Historian Ole-Jørgen Schulsrud-Hansen remarked on the significant changes during Harald's reign, stating, “The Norwegian monarchy became more egalitarian and transparent with finances and health.”
“Harald was Norway's first king born in the country since the 14th century, and his 35-year reign saw the monarchy become more egalitarian. His death comes amid a royal scandal involving his daughter-in-law Mette-Marit's ties to Jeffrey Epstein and her son's rape conviction, with support for the monarchy dropping from 72% to 54%.”
BBC
