Norway mourns King Harald as new era begins under Haakon VIII
King Harald, Europe's oldest monarch, was viewed as a reformer who embraced inclusivity.
King Haakon VIII assumed the throne of Norway following the death of his father, Harald, who had reigned for 35 years. The Scandinavian kingdom declared a period of national mourning in response to the monarch's passing on Friday at the age of 89. Thousands of Norwegians gathered in the capital, Oslo, to pay their respects, hugging and laying flowers to honor the late king.
Haakon, 53, spoke of his father's love for his people, humor, and unwavering faith in them during a brief meeting after his coronation. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store praised Harald for his role in guiding Norway through periods of growth, diversity, and change. Tributes from around the world and within Norway flowed in, with many highlighting Harald's role as a unifying figure and a monarch who brought the nation together during challenging times, including the 2011 neo-Nazi attack that claimed 77 lives.
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- Norway, in mourning, enters a new era under Haakon VIII freemalaysiatoday.com
