Norway’s King Harald V has died at the age of 89, ending his 35-year reign over the Scandinavian kingdom.
The Norwegian royal palace announced his death on Friday, saying the monarch died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35 am on August 28.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today. King Harald passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday, August 28 at 6:35 am,” the palace said.
Crown Prince Haakon, 53, is now set to succeed his father as king.
Following the announcement, the Norwegian flag at the Royal Palace in Oslo was lowered to half-mast as members of the public gathered outside to pay their respects.
Harald, who had been Norway’s monarch since ascending the throne in 1991, had been receiving treatment at the Oslo hospital since August 17 after suffering from haemolytic anaemia. The condition causes the body to destroy red blood cells faster than they can be replaced and can result in symptoms including fatigue and shortness of breath.
His health deteriorated sharply this week, with the palace announcing on Thursday that his condition was “extremely serious”.
Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, his wife Mette-Marit and their adult children spent much of Thursday at the king’s bedside. Reports also said Haakon remained at the hospital overnight.
Mourners continued arriving at the palace on Friday, leaving flowers and gathering in small groups to honour the late monarch.
Kaspara Bolstad, 24, described Harald as “a very steady and warm king”.
“I think the entire Norwegian people see him as a role model and as someone who brings people together. Whether you’re for or against the monarchy, I think he’s well-liked across the board,” she said.
Another mourner, Magnus Skaugseth, 27, also praised the king’s approach to public life.
“He was so inclusive and committed to having values that are inclusive in the society we live in today. When there is so much division and polarisation, he was a pillar pointing in the opposite direction.”
Harald had experienced several health challenges in recent years.
He had a pacemaker fitted and reduced his official duties as his health declined.
Despite his health problems, the king had repeatedly ruled out abdication, saying he had taken a lifelong oath before the Norwegian parliament.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store cancelled a planned trip to Germany on Thursday following news of the king’s deteriorating condition.
Turbulent period for royal family
The Norwegian royal family has faced several health and legal controversies over the past year.
In February, Harald was hospitalised in Tenerife after suffering from an infection and dehydration while on a private holiday with Queen Sonja.
The queen, also 89, was later briefly hospitalised in May after experiencing heart problems.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit has also faced scrutiny over her past association with Jeffrey Epstein.
Documents released in the United States in January showed that she maintained correspondence with the convicted sex offender between 2011 and 2014.
Her son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Hoiby, has likewise been at the centre of legal proceedings.
He was sentenced in June to four years in prison after being convicted of two rapes and 32 other offences, including violence against a former partner. He has appealed the judgment.
Mette-Marit, 53, who suffers from a serious lung condition, underwent a lung transplant in July.
Despite the controversies surrounding the family, the Norwegian monarchy remains widely supported, with Harald particularly admired for his modest lifestyle and reputation as a unifying figure.
