King Harald V of Norway has died at the age of 89 after weeks of health complications, the Royal Palace has announced. The monarch died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet at 6:35 a.m. on Friday, August 28.
King Harald had been receiving treatment in hospital after developing a bacterial infection in his bloodstream. His condition deteriorated sharply in recent days, prompting members of the royal family to gather at his bedside.
The King had also been suffering from haemolytic anaemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them. His health had become increasingly fragile in recent years, with several hospitalisations and the fitting of a permanent pacemaker.
Harald became King in 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V, and went on to reign for more than three decades. He was widely regarded as a unifying and modernising figure who maintained a strong connection with the Norwegian public.
Born in 1937, Harald was the first Norwegian-born heir to the throne in almost six centuries. During the Second World War, he spent part of his childhood in exile in the United States after Nazi Germany invaded Norway. He later became an accomplished sailor and represented Norway at three Olympic Games.
His reign was also marked by moments of national tragedy. Following the 2011 terrorist attacks in Norway, Harald delivered an emotional message emphasising freedom, tolerance and unity, strengthening his reputation as a compassionate national figure.
Following his death, his son, Crown Prince Haakon, automatically became Norway’s new king and is expected to reign as King Haakon VIII.
Norway is now mourning the death of a monarch who served the country for more than 30 years, with the Norwegian Armed Forces announcing a 21-round gun salute in his honour.
