King Harald of Norway has Passed Away

"It is with deep grief that we announce that His Majesty King Harald has passed away. King Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet Friday 28 August at 6:35 AM," the Royal Court of Norway announced.

King Harald was 89 years old. When he ascended the throne in 1991, he adopted the same motto as his forefathers, King Haakon and King Olav: «All for Norway».

Crown Prince Haakon became Norway's new king upon his father's death. The Government will meet the new king in an extraordinary meeting of the Council of State at the Royal Palace at 11:30 AM.

"It is with great sorrow that I received the news that His Majesty King Harald V has died. A whole nation is in mourning and the people of Norway are left with a deep sense of gratitude for a long life in the service of Norway," says the Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Labor) in a press release.

"For more than three decades as monarch, Harald V demonstrated an unwavering faith in the Norwegian people. He helped us to see the best in ourselves – and in one another," Støre continues.

Words of remembrance from Sweden

Among the many condolences that are now pouring in come from Norway's neighboring country to the north.

"It is with great sadness that I have received the news of our dear friend, King Harald’s passing," says King Carl Gustaf of Sweden in a press release, continuing:

"King Harald’s life story is exceptional. After enduring the hardships of war and exile in his childhood, he was able to return with his family to a free Norway and witness the nation’s remarkable development throughout the twentieth century, before succeeding his father as King of Norway. Both as Head of State and a successful athlete, he was an outstanding representative of his country. He gave “all for Norway”."

Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) wrote the following message of condolence on X:

"It is with great sorrow that I received the news of King Harald V's passing. For many decades, he was a reassuring, respected and unifying force in both Norway and the Nordic region. King Harald's long and dedicated work in the service of Norway will be remembered with warmth and respect."

Condolences from Denmark and Finland

The Danish royal couple, King Frederik and Queen Mary, have also sent their condolences to King Haakon.

"For 35 years, King Harald was a strong unifying figure for the Norwegian people. He joined duty and responsibility with presence and compassion. He was cherished like few others, and he will be missed by many," they state.

"His Majesty King Harald V of Norway was a unifying and highly respected figure for the Norwegian people and for the whole of the Nordic region. Throughout his long reign, he was a symbol of continuity and close ties between our countries," Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (S) writes on X.

Finland's President Alexander Stubb (National Coalition Party) also expresses his condolences.

"I share the grief of the family and the Norwegian people. King Harald V will be remembered as an exceptionally dedicated and esteemed head of state who served his country faithfully for several decades. He had a unique ability to unite Norwegians from different backgrounds and strengthen the sense of national unity in both good and difficult times," he states on X.