Norway's King Harald dies at 89

King Harald, the longest-reigning monarch in Europe, has passed away at the age of 89, according to Norway's royal court. He had been under treatment for a rare blood condition, hemolytic anemia, at Oslo University Hospital since mid-August. His son, Prince Haakon, will now become King Haakon VIII, with Queen Mette-Marit as his wife.

The Norwegian monarch primarily serves a ceremonial role. King Harald died peacefully at the hospital on Friday, August 28, at 6:35 a.m. His wife and son were by his side during his final moments.

Following his death, Harald's condition had worsened over the past few days, leading his family to cancel all public engagements. Hundreds of mourners gathered outside the royal palace in Oslo to pay their respects to the late king. A motor procession carrying his casket left the hospital for the palace, and thousands of people lined the streets to bid him farewell, laying flowers, cards, and Norwegian flags.

Norway has declared a period of national mourning, and flags were flown at half-mast in honor of the late monarch. King Haakon VIII will take his oath of allegiance to the constitution next Tuesday, with a brief address focusing on his limited powers. Norwegians will no longer witness a traditional coronation.

World leaders, including Britain's King Charles, Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf, Denmark's King Frederik and Queen Mary, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, expressed their condolences and praised Harald's leadership, humility, and dedication to his people. Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and President of the Storting Masud Gharahkhani also paid tribute to the monarch, highlighting his unwavering faith in the Norwegian people and his efforts to inspire them.