Norway’s King Harald dead at 89

Norway’s King Harald has passed away at the age of 89, the palace announced on Friday morning. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, has automatically ascended to the throne. "It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today," the palace statement read, adding that the 89-year-old monarch died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35 am (0435 GMT).

The flag at the royal palace in Oslo was lowered to half-mast, prompting a gathering of onlookers outside the palace. Hundreds of flowers had already been laid down the day before his demise. "Of course it's sad. He's a symbol of our country. And naturally, it's sad when something so beautiful comes to an end," said 36-year-old Maja Otvik in front of the palace.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store expressed his profound grief, stating that an entire nation mourns while remaining deeply grateful for Harald's long life dedicated to Norway. "King Harald loved Norway, and Norway loved its king," the prime minister added. The government plans to convene a conference shortly and subsequently meet with the new king, Haakon, at the palace.

King Harald had been hospitalized since August 17 due to haemolytic anaemia, a condition characterized by the rapid destruction of red blood cells, leading to fatigue and shortness of breath. His wife, Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Prince Haakon's wife Mette-Marit, and their adult children were by his side during his final days, with media reports suggesting Haakon kept vigil overnight.

Harald, who became king in 1991, had faced multiple health challenges in recent years, including the need for a pacemaker and a reduced official schedule. Despite these health issues, he never considered abdicating, maintaining that he had taken a lifelong oath before the Norwegian parliament.

Norway's royal family has faced turbulent times in the past year. In February, King Harald was hospitalized in Tenerife for an infection and dehydration during a private trip with Queen Sonja. In May, Queen Sonja briefly required hospitalization in Tenerife due to heart problems. Meanwhile, Crown Prince Haakon's wife, Mette-Marit, has been under scrutiny for her relationships with the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with documents revealing correspondence between 2011 and 2014.

Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Hoiby, is currently serving a four-year prison sentence for two rapes and 32 other charges, including violence against a former partner. Mette-Marit herself underwent a lung transplant in July due to a serious lung disease. Despite these challenges, the Norwegian public remains broadly supportive of the royal family, largely owing to King Harald's unifying presence and modest lifestyle.