Norway’s monarch, King Harald, known for his progressive approach and distinguished reign spanning over three decades, has passed away at the age of 89, as confirmed by the royal palace amidst a series of challenges facing the Norwegian royal family. The palace announced that King Harald peacefully departed at Oslo University Hospital on Friday, August 28, at 06:35 local time.
Harald, the oldest reigning monarch in Europe, was admitted to the hospital on August 17 for treatment of a bacterial infection in his bloodstream. In 2024, he had previously undergone medical care for an infection while vacationing in Malaysia, where he received a temporary pacemaker before being flown back to Norway by the military for further treatment and the installation of a permanent device.
In 2024, despite reducing his official engagements, King Harald, who has been Norway’s ceremonial head of state since 1991, affirmed his commitment to his lifelong oath as king and dismissed any thoughts of abdicating the throne.
Prime Minister Mark Carney paid tribute to King Harald’s dedication to Norway, emphasizing his ties to Canada, where he visited during his wartime exile and later for a state visit in 2002, fostering warm relations between the two nations.
King Harald’s passing comes at a challenging period for the royal family, with Crown Princess Mette-Marit under scrutiny for her association with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Additionally, her son, Marius Hoiby, from a previous relationship, was recently convicted of rape and domestic violence, receiving a four-year prison sentence, a decision that has been appealed by both parties.
Despite these difficulties, support for the monarchy in Norway has remained relatively stable, with King Harald consistently maintaining high popularity among the Norwegian public.
As a descendant of Queen Victoria, King Harald ascended the throne in 1991, modernizing the monarchy and symbolizing national unity with his compassionate presence during times of national tragedy and disaster.
In his later years, King Harald advocated for tolerance and inclusivity, championing diversity and openly celebrating the country’s independence milestones. His legacy as a compassionate and forward-thinking monarch is deeply ingrained in the hearts of the Norwegian people.