King Harald of Norway has died at the age of 89. In a statement released Friday, the Norwegian royal family confirmed that the monarch died peacefully at Oslo’s Rikshospitalet.
The palace announced with deep sorrow that His Majesty King Harald had passed away. According to the official message, he died peacefully at Rikshospitalet on Friday, August 28, at 6:35 a.m.
King Harald was 89
The announcement followed a difficult period of health problems for Norway’s monarch. King Harald entered Rikshospitalet in Oslo on Monday, August 17, after undergoing a medical examination.
At that point, the royal family explained that he had recently received steroid treatment for hemolytic anemia, a blood condition. His health worsened while he remained in the hospital.
The palace subsequently disclosed that doctors were administering antibiotics for an infection caused by bacteria in his bloodstream. On Monday, August 24, officials continued to describe his condition as stable and said he had responded to the treatment.
By Thursday, August 27, however, the royal family reported that his condition had become extremely serious. At the same time, every official engagement involving Crown Prince Regent Haakon and Queen Sonja was canceled.
Before the king’s death was publicly confirmed, several of his closest relatives came together at the hospital. Following the grave update, Rikshospitalet received Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
Queen Sonja also went to the hospital. Prince Sverre Magnus and King Harald’s sister, Princess Astrid, followed shortly afterward, with Princess Ingrid Alexandra arriving later.
Other members of the royal family had visited the king during the days preceding his death. As a result, his loved ones were gathered around him in his final hours.
He became king in 1991
King Harald was born at Skaugum in Asker, Norway, on February 21, 1937. His parents were the then-Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Märtha.
After King Olav V died on January 17, 1991, Harald inherited the throne and became Norway’s king. He would serve as the nation’s head of state for more than 35 years.
During his reign, King Harald represented Norway inside the country and throughout the world. He participated in significant national occasions and stood alongside the Norwegian people in moments of sorrow and tragedy.
Across the years, he became admired for an approachable character, relaxed sense of humor, and profound commitment to Norway and its citizens.
King Harald married Queen Sonja at Oslo Cathedral on August 29, 1968, after the pair had already spent several years together. Their relationship received considerable public attention because Sonja Haraldsen had not been born into royalty.
King Olav V ultimately granted the couple permission to marry. Harald and Sonja had two children, Princess Märtha Louise and Crown Prince Haakon.
His five surviving grandchildren are Maud Angelica Behn and Leah Isadora Behn, as well as Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Emma Tallulah Behn, and Prince Sverre Magnus.
He stood beside the Norwegian people
King Harald became a source of unity during some of the most painful events in Norway’s recent history. After the terrorist attacks of July 22, 2011, he addressed the country with a speech conveying grief and compassion for the victims and their relatives.
Throughout his time on the throne, he also spoke publicly about belonging, community, and tolerance. One of his best-known addresses was delivered at the royal couple’s garden party at the Royal Palace in 2016.
In that speech, the king reflected on what it means to be Norwegian regardless of someone’s origins, religion, or the person they love. His message made a strong impression and reached audiences well outside Norway.
Rest in peace, King Harald. Our thoughts remain with Queen Sonja and every member of the Norwegian royal family.
