- King Harald V of Norway has died at 89 years old.
- Crowds gathered at the royal palace in Oslo to mourn, laying flowers and flags, with some mourners visibly in tears.
- The new king, Haakon VIII, met government ministers for an extraordinary council of state meeting and announced the royal family's motto 'All for Norway'.
- Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the country was 'united in grief and gratitude' and in a televised memorial address said the late king's 'legacy lives on'.
- Erling Haaland thanked Harald for 'everything you meant to Norway' in an Instagram post.
King Harald V of Norway passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved and modern monarch. He died peacefully in hospital after battling a rare blood condition. Following his death, crowds gathered at the royal palace in Oslo, laying flowers and flags in tribute.12
His son, Haakon VIII, ascended the throne and adopted the motto 'All for Norway'. In an extraordinary council of state meeting, he expressed his commitment to continuing his father's legacy. Norway's Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, emphasized the nation's collective grief, stating, "We are united in grief and gratitude."3
Harald was remembered as an inclusive and empathetic leader, often referred to as the 'people's king'. His passing prompted tributes from European royals and citizens alike, including Erling Haaland, who thanked the late king for his contributions to Norway. One Oslo resident, Biteya Terfassa, reflected on Harald's impact, saying, "He made us feel at home and he made us feel loved. So he was like a grandfather that I never had."6
As Norway transitions to a new era under King Haakon, the nation reflects on the stability and warmth that King Harald brought during his reign.
“Crowds gathered at the royal palace in Oslo, laying flowers and flags, with some mourners visibly in tears. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the country was 'united in grief and gratitude,' and Erling Haaland thanked Harald for 'everything you meant to Norway.'”
BBC
