Norway’s King Harald dies aged 89

Norway's King Harald has passed away at the age of 89, his son Crown Prince Haakon succeeding him to the throne, the palace announced on Friday. The king died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35am on Friday, August 28. The royal flag at the palace in Oslo was lowered to half-mast, and hundreds of people gathered outside the palace to pay their respects. Flowers had already been laid the day prior.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store expressed deep sorrow upon hearing the news. He stated that the entire nation mourns the loss of a king who loved Norway and whose love was returned by its people. The government would convene a conference shortly and then meet with the new king, Haakon, at the palace.

King Harald had been in hospital since August 17 suffering from haemolytic anaemia, a condition caused by an abnormally rapid destruction of red blood cells. He had been on the throne since 1991 and had faced multiple health problems in recent years, including the need for a pacemaker and a reduced official schedule. Despite his health issues, he never considered abdicating as he had taken a lifelong oath before the Norwegian parliament.