Horway’s King Harald has died aged 89, the royal palace has announced, with his 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, succeeding him as monarch.
The palace said Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 04:35 GMT after being treated for haemolytic anaemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced.
“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,” the palace said in a statement.
The flag at the Royal Palace in Oslo was lowered to half-mast following the announcement.
Harald, who became king in 1991, had experienced several health problems in recent years, including infections and dehydration. He also had a pacemaker fitted and reduced his official duties.
Despite his declining health, the king repeatedly ruled out abdicating, saying he had taken a lifelong oath before Norway’s parliament.
News of the king’s death drew mourners to the Royal Palace in central Oslo, where members of the public gathered to lay flowers and pay their respects.
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,” she said.
“Whether you’re for or against the monarchy, I think he’s well-liked across the board.”
Another mourner, Skaugseth, praised the king for promoting unity and inclusion.
“He was so inclusive and committed to having values that are inclusive in the society we live in today,” she said.
“When there is so much division and polarisation, he was a pillar pointing in the opposite direction.”
Harald’s wife, Queen Sonja, and other members of the royal family had gathered at his bedside after the palace said his condition had become “extremely serious”.
Crown Prince Haakon was reported to have remained at the hospital overnight as his father’s condition deteriorated.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store also cancelled a planned work trip to Germany following news of the king’s worsening health.
Haakon takes throne
Crown Prince Haakon now succeeds his father, beginning a new reign for Norway’s royal family.
Harald’s death comes after a difficult period for the monarchy, with several members of the royal family facing health and legal challenges.
Queen Sonja, also 89, was recently admitted to hospital with heart problems, while Crown Princess Mette-Marit has faced scrutiny over her links to convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Her son, Marius Borg Høiby, has also faced legal troubles. He was sentenced 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 verdict.
Mette-Marit, who has a serious lung condition, has also undergone a lung transplant.
Despite the controversies, Norway’s royal family remains broadly popular, with Harald widely regarded as a unifying figure who maintained a modest and approachable public image throughout his reign.
