Norway’s King Harald passes at 89, Crown Prince Haakon succeeds him

Norway’s King Harald has died at the age of 89, with his son, Crown Prince Haakon, succeeding him on the throne.

The Norwegian Royal Palace announced on Friday that Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35am local time after his health condition became “extremely serious.”

“It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today,” the palace said in a statement.

The flag at the Royal Palace in Oslo was lowered to half-mast following the announcement, while members of the public gathered outside the palace to lay flowers and mourn the monarch.

Harald, who became king in 1991, had been receiving treatment at the hospital since August 17 after suffering from haemolytic anaemia, a condition that causes the rapid destruction of red blood cells and can result in fatigue and shortness of breath.

His wife, Queen Sonja, their son Haakon, Haakon’s wife Mette-Marit and their adult children reportedly spent much of Thursday at his bedside as his condition deteriorated.

Harald, who was Europe’s oldest reigning monarch, had experienced several health challenges in recent years, including infections and other complications. He also had a pacemaker fitted and reduced his official engagements because of his health.

Despite his declining health, Harald repeatedly ruled out abdicating, saying he had taken a lifelong oath before the Norwegian parliament.

His death has prompted an outpouring of grief in Norway, with members of the public describing him as a warm, steady and unifying figure who helped bring people together.

Harald’s death also comes during a turbulent period for the Norwegian royal family, with several members facing health and legal challenges.

Queen Sonja, also 89, was briefly hospitalised in May over heart problems, while Mette-Marit has faced scrutiny over her past contacts with convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and has dealt with serious health complications of her own.

Her son, Marius Borg Hoiby, has also been involved in legal proceedings and was sentenced in June to four years in prison over rape and other offences. He has appealed the verdict.

Despite the controversies surrounding some members of the royal family, the Norwegian monarchy remains broadly popular, with Harald widely regarded as a unifying figure during his long reign.