Norway’s King Harald V dead at 89, his son succeeds as Haakon VIII
The popular king modernized the royal house but refused to follow in the footsteps of other aging monarchs who have abdicated in recent times.
King Harald V of Norway, who died at the age of 89, passed away on Friday at the National Hospital in Oslo. Born in 1937, he became the first Norwegian prince to be born in the country since King Olav IV in 1370. Harald spent his childhood in exile during World War II, as his family sought refuge in Sweden and then the United States to avoid capture by the Nazis.
The popular monarch, known for modernizing the royal house, was succeeded by his son, Haakon VIII, who automatically ascended to the throne upon Harald's death. The Norwegian monarchy, while serving a largely symbolic role in the democracy of 5.5 million people, brings celebrity status to its members while real power resides with the elected parliament.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed deep gratitude for King Harald's long life of service to Norway.
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