King Harald of Norway with Iceland President Gudni Jóhannesson. Photo: OskarAanmoen / Shutterstock.com The Norwegian Royal House has announced the death of King Harald V at. The announcement was made on Friday, August 28, following his recent hospitalization.
"It is with deep sorrow that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today. King Harald died peacefully at Rikshospitalet on Friday, August 28, at 6:35 am," said the announcement.
Scandinavian Airlines issued the following statement on the King's tragic passing: "Our thoughts are with the Royal Family and the people of Norway following the passing of HM King Harald V. He served Norway with dignity, humility and dedication, and leaves a lasting legacy. Our sincere condolences to the Royal Family and all Norwegians."
King Harald V of Norway has died at the age of 89, following a period of serious health concerns for the Norwegian monarch. The Royal House said on August 27 that King Harald's condition had become very serious. An earlier update on August 24 had described his condition as stable.
King Harald, who was born in 1937, became Norway's monarch on January 17, 1991, following the death of his father, King Olav V. He was formally consecrated alongside Queen Sonja at Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim on June 23, 1991.
During his reign, King Harald served primarily in representative and ceremonial roles as Norway's head of state. He also held the position of the country's highest-ranking military commander, with the rank of general in the Army and Air Force and admiral in the Navy.
He is survived by Queen Sonja, who has been his wife for almost 58 years, their daughter Princess Märtha Louise, their son Haakon, and six grandchildren.
Crown King Haakon Magnus. Photo: Liv Oeian / Shutterstock.com
Crown Prince Haakon, 53, has succeeded his father as King Haakon VIII. His reign will include the challenge of strengthening the Scandinavian monarchy and rebuilding public support for the royal family.
Haakon's eldest child, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, now becomes Crown Princess and first in line to the Norwegian throne.