Norway’s King Harald V Dies at 89 After More Than Three Decades on the Throne

Norway’s King Harald V, the country’s reform-minded monarch and head of state for more than 35 years, has died at the age of 89, the Royal Palace announced on Friday.                                                                  

                                                         

Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35 a.m. local time. He had recently been hospitalised after his health deteriorated and was receiving treatment for a bacterial infection.

He became king in 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V, and became known for helping modernise Norway’s monarchy while maintaining a close connection with the Norwegian people. His reign also saw him become a strong voice for inclusion and national unity.

Harald was widely admired for his approachable personality and willingness to embrace changing social values. He notably supported greater recognition of diversity and LGBTQ+ rights while preserving the largely ceremonial role of the Norwegian monarchy.

His death marks the end of a 35-year era in Norway, with his son, Crown Prince Haakon, set to succeed him as king