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King Harald V: Gifted yachtsman steered the good ship Norway with guile

Harald V was instilled with a strong sense of purpose, a single-mindedness that manifested throughout his reign. The King of Norway since 1991, who has died aged 89, was known for his part in the historic Oslo Accords of 1993. As a prince determined to marry Sonja, a “commoner” , he provoked the consternation of his father Olav V and traditionalist Norwegians, but this resistance ultimately…

King Harald V: Gifted yachtsman steered the good ship Norway with guile

Harald V, the late King of Norway, was renowned for his exceptional sailing skills and his steadfast commitment to the nation throughout his reign. He took on the role of regent after his father's ill health in 1990, eventually assuming the throne in 1991, adopting the motto "We give our all for Norway." Throughout his years as monarch, he faced various health challenges, including the installation of a pacemaker in 2024.

Despite his declining health, he steadfastly refused to abdicate, remaining Europe's longest-serving monarch until his passing at the age of 89. Throughout his life, King Harald demonstrated a strong bond with Israel and played a crucial role in supporting Norway's diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, particularly through his relations with Israel's President Shimon Peres.

Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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