King Harald Dies at 89 After More Than Three Decades on Throne

King Harald of Norway has died aged 89 after more than three decades on the throne, with the royal palace announcing that the monarch passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital early Friday.

The palace said Harald died at 6:35am on August 28. His 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, automatically succeeds him as Norway’s new king.

The Norwegian royal palace lowered its flag to half-mast following the announcement, while people gathered outside to leave flowers and pay tribute to a monarch widely regarded as a steady and unifying figure.

Harald had been hospitalised in Oslo since August 17 while receiving treatment for haemolytic anaemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed more quickly than the body can replace them. The condition can cause fatigue and shortness of breath.

The royal family rushed to his bedside on Thursday after the palace said his condition had become “extremely serious”. Queen Sonja, Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and other members of the family spent hours at the hospital.

A monarch known for bringing people together

Harald became king in 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V. Over the following decades, he developed a reputation for a more informal and inclusive style of monarchy.

Members of the public gathered outside the royal palace in Oslo after news of his death, laying flowers and sharing memories of the king.

Many Norwegians described Harald as a calm and approachable monarch who helped bridge divisions within society.

“He was a very steady and warm king,” Kaspara Bolstad, 24, told AFP.

She said Harald was widely viewed as a role model and someone capable of bringing people together regardless of political or personal views about the monarchy.

Another member of the public, Magnus Skaugseth, said Harald had promoted inclusive values at a time of increasing division and polarisation.

Harald’s approach helped maintain the popularity of Norway’s monarchy, even as debates over the institution continued.

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Health problems in later years

The king had experienced several health problems in recent years.

He underwent treatment for infections on several occasions and eventually had a pacemaker fitted. His official schedule was reduced as his health deteriorated.

Despite the challenges, Harald repeatedly rejected the idea of abdication. He had previously said that his commitment to the Norwegian monarchy was lifelong, referring to the oath he took before parliament.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store cancelled a planned trip to Germany after the palace announced that Harald’s condition had sharply worsened.

In February, the king was hospitalised in Tenerife after developing an infection and becoming dehydrated during a private holiday with Queen Sonja.

The queen, also 89, was briefly hospitalised in May because of heart problems.

Condolences from Pakistan

Pakistan’s political leadership expressed condolences following the king’s death.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was deeply saddened by Harald’s passing and extended condolences to the Norwegian royal family on behalf of the Pakistani government and people.

“As Norway mourns this profound loss, the people of Pakistan stand in solidarity with the bereaved family and our Norwegian friends,” Sharif said.

He said Harald would be remembered for a lifetime of dedicated service to Norway and extended prayers to the Norwegian people.

President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed condolences to Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, the wider royal family and the people of Norway.

The Presidency said Zardari paid tribute to Harald’s long service to Norway and his contribution to strengthening relations between Pakistan and Norway.

A difficult period for the Norwegian royal family

Harald’s death comes after a turbulent period for Norway’s royal family.

Crown Prince Haakon’s wife, Mette-Marit, has faced scrutiny over her past contacts with convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Her son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Hoiby, has also faced significant legal problems.

Hoiby was sentenced in June to four years in prison after being convicted of rape and other offences, although he has appealed the verdict.

Mette-Marit has also faced serious health challenges and underwent a lung transplant in July.

Despite the controversies and health difficulties affecting several members of the family, the Norwegian monarchy remains broadly popular.

Harald’s reputation for modesty, accessibility and his ability to unite people was a major part of that public support.

With Haakon now set to take the throne, Norway begins a new chapter for its monarchy while mourning a king who spent more than three decades representing the country at home and abroad.