Norway's King Harald Dies At 89

Norway's King Harald passed away at the age of 89, the royal palace announced on Friday. He died peacefully at the National Hospital in Oslo at 6:35 a.m. on August 28. The royal family had visited him in the 24 hours leading up to his death. Crowds laid flowers at the palace in remembrance. King Harald's health had been declining for some time and he had reduced his public engagements in April 2024.

He had been recently treated with cortisone for hemolytic anaemia, a blood condition. He had been hospitalized since August 17, but his condition had previously stabilized after a bacterial blood infection. However, it became extremely serious, according to the palace. He will be succeeded by his son, King Haakon VIII. U.S. President Donald Trump honored Harald, describing him as a "strong, proud, and greatly respected man."

Harald was born in 1937, the first Norwegian king to be born in Norway since the 14th century. He was forced to flee Norway during the German invasion in 1940, living in Washington, D.C. for the duration of World War II. The family returned to Norway in 1945. Harald married Sonja Haraldsen in 1968, overcoming his father's reluctance as a commoner.

They had two children, Martha Louise and Haakon. Harald served as a unifying figure for Norway during difficult times, including the terrorist attacks in 2011. He was given the nickname "Norway's grandfather" for his role in public life. Upon his death, Haakon ascended the throne as King Haakon VIII.