The Norwegian Royal Palace issued a statement confirming that King Harald V died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at the age of 89, after suffering from autoimmune hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are destroyed. Consequently, Crown Prince Haakon, aged 53, immediately ascended as the new king.
King Harald V of Norway passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 06:35 a.m. local time on Friday, 28 August, aged 89. He had been hospitalized since 17 August due to hemolytic anemia, a condition causing rapid destruction of red blood cells, leading to fatigue and difficulty breathing.
The palace announced that King Harald died peacefully as the Norwegian flag at the Oslo palace was lowered to half-mast. Many citizens gathered to lay flowers and pay their respects in front of the palace.
King Harald ascended the throne in 1991 and was the first Norwegian-born monarch in centuries. He was praised as a king close to the people, transforming the monarchy's image to be more equal and open, and served as a unifying figure during critical national moments.
One significant event was the 2011 bombing and shooting attacks that claimed 77 lives. King Harald delivered a speech urging the nation to stand united and not succumb to fear.
He openly supported religious, racial, and sexual diversity, with his 2016 speech emphasizing Norway as home to people from diverse backgrounds widely lauded.
King Harald was also an accomplished sailor, representing Norway in three Olympic Games. He was active in environmental conservation and served as chairman of the World Wildlife Fund Norway for 20 years.
He married Queen Sonja, originally a commoner, after a protracted struggle for royal consent, marrying in 1968. This decision marked a turning point for the Norwegian monarchy, allowing royal children to marry commoners.
In recent years, King Harald's health declined; he reduced his royal duties and had a pacemaker installed. He consistently refused to abdicate, citing his oath to serve the parliament for life.
Following his death, 53-year-old Crown Prince Haakon will succeed as Norway's new king. He previously served as regent during his father's illness.
The royal succession occurs amid multiple challenges, including health issues and scandals involving royal family members, especially Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Haakon's wife, who underwent a lung transplant in July due to severe lung disease.
Meanwhile, Mette-Marit's son Marius Borg Høiby from a previous relationship was sentenced by a Norwegian court in June to four years in prison for multiple offenses, including two counts of rape and violence against a former partner. He has appealed the verdict.
Additionally, Mette-Marit has come under scrutiny for past associations with the late American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with U.S. documents revealing ongoing contact between 2011 and 2014.
Despite recent controversies, King Harald remained highly popular among Norwegians and was hailed as the “People’s King,” a unifying symbol during his more than 35 years on the throne.