King Harald of Norway has died at the age of 89.
The Norwegian royal family confirmed his death in a statement on Friday, saying the king passed away peacefully at the hospital Oslo’s Rikshospitalet.
“It is with great sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald has passed away today. King Harald passed away peacefully at Rikshospitalet on Friday, August 28, at 6:35 a.m.,” the Norwegian royal family wrote.
King Harald was 89
The news comes after a period of serious health problems for the Norwegian monarch.
King Harald was admitted to Rikshospitalet in Oslo on Monday, August 17, following a medical examination. At the time, the royal family said he had been treated with steroids in recent weeks for hemolytic anemia, a blood disorder.
His condition deteriorated during his hospital stay. The royal family later announced that he was receiving antibiotics for an infection caused by bacteria in his blood.
On Monday, August 24, the situation was still described as stable, and the palace said the king had responded to treatment. But on Thursday, August 27, the royal family announced that his health had taken a serious turn.
“The king’s health condition is very serious,” they said.
At the same time, all official engagements for Crown Prince Regent Haakon and Queen Sonja were canceled.
Before the heartbreaking news of the king’s death was announced, several of his closest family members gathered at the hospital.
Shortly after it was confirmed that King Harald’s condition was “very serious,” Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit arrived at Rikshospitalet. Queen Sonja also came to the hospital.
Prince Sverre Magnus and the king’s sister, Princess Astrid, arrived shortly afterward, followed later by Princess Ingrid Alexandra.
Several members of the royal family had also visited King Harald in the days leading up to his death. His family was therefore gathered around him during his final hours.
He became king in 1991
King Harald was born on February 21, 1937, at Skaugum in Asker, Norway. He was the son of then-Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Märtha. When King Olav V died on January 17, 1991, Harald succeeded him and became King of Norway.
He went on to serve as the country’s head of state for more than 35 years.
Throughout his reign, King Harald represented Norway both at home and abroad. He was present during major national events, but also stood with the Norwegian people during periods of grief and tragedy.
Over the years, he became known for his down-to-earth personality, easygoing humor and deep devotion to Norway and its people.
King Harald and Queen Sonja married on August 29, 1968, at Oslo Cathedral, after having been a couple for several years.
Their relationship attracted considerable attention because Sonja Haraldsen was not of royal birth. The couple ultimately received permission from King Olav V to marry.
Together, they had two children: Princess Märtha Louise and Crown Prince Haakon.
King Harald is survived by five grandchildren: Maud Angelica Behn, Leah Isadora Behn, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Emma Tallulah Behn and Prince Sverre Magnus.
He stood by the Norwegian people
King Harald became a unifying figure for the Norwegian people during some of the most difficult moments in the country’s modern history.
Following the July 22, 2011, terrorist attacks, he delivered a speech expressing his grief and compassion for those affected and their families.
Throughout his reign, the king also used his voice to speak about community and tolerance.
One of his most widely discussed speeches came during the royal couple’s garden party at the Royal Palace in 2016. In the speech, he spoke about what it means to be Norwegian, regardless of a person’s background, faith or who they love.
His words made a powerful impression and resonated far beyond Norway’s borders.
Rest in peace, King Harald.
Our thoughts are with Queen Sonja and the Norwegian royal family.
