In a somber announcement, Norway mourns the passing of its revered monarch, King Harald V, who has died at the age of 89.
The beloved king passed away at 6:35 a.m. local time on Friday, August 28, at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, as confirmed by the royal court’s official statement. His death marks the end of an era for Norway.
King Harald had been admitted to the hospital on August 17 after being diagnosed with a bacterial blood infection, which raised concerns among his loyal subjects.
Just a day prior to his passing, the palace revealed alarming news that King Harald’s health had taken a grave turn, and his condition was described as “very serious” in a statement released on Thursday, August 27.
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Harald is survived by his wife, Queen Sonja, 89, daughter Princess Märtha Louise, 54, and son Crown Prince Haakon, 53, who was automatically crowned king upon Harald’s death.
Harald ruled for 35 years after succeeding his own father, King Olav V, in 1991.
“It is with the most profound sadness that my wife and I have learned of the death of my dear cousin, King Harald V of Norway,” the U.K.’s King Charles III said in a statement on Friday.
The British monarch continued, “For thirty-five years, King Harald served his people with unwavering dedication, guiding Norway through times of great change with warmth and humility. As Norway mourns the loss of so towering a figure, my whole family join in remembering a much-loved kinsman and friend whose kindness, compassion and deep sense of duty echoed from across the sea and across the decades.”
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“The United Kingdom and Norway share particularly close historical and family ties, with Britain one of the first countries to recognize Norwegian independence and establish diplomatic relations in 1905,” Charles said. “These special bonds were even further strengthened during the dreadful trials of the Second World War and helped to bind our two countries together.”
“The Queen and I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Queen Sonja and all her family, as Britain shares in Norway’s grief at this time of such heartbreaking loss,” he concluded.
Norway’s new king, Haakon CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP
Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said in a statement, “A whole nation is in mourning and the people of Norway are left with a deep sense of gratitude for a long life in the service of Norway.”
“For more than three decades as monarch, Harald V demonstrated an unwavering faith in the Norwegian people. He helped us to see the best in ourselves — and in one another,” Støre continued.
“King Harald found the words to bind us together when we needed them the most. He grieved with us after the attacks 22 July 2011,” Støre said. “He cheered with us when Norwegian athletes excelled. And he guided us, with warmth, wisdom and openness, towards a society with a place for everyone. King Harald had a profound love for Norway. And Norway had a profound love for King Harald.”