Norway’s King Harald dies at 89

Norway’s King Harald V has died at the age of 89 after a prolonged period of health challenges, the Royal Palace announced on Friday.

The monarch died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35 a.m. local time on August 28, after being admitted to the hospital on August 17 with haemolytic anaemia, a condition involving the rapid destruction of red blood cells.

Crown Prince Haakon, 53, is set to succeed his father as Norway’s new monarch.

King Harald’s health had deteriorated in recent years, with several medical complications leading to the installation of a pacemaker and a reduction in his official duties.

His family, including Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, his wife Mette-Marit and their children, gathered at the hospital as his condition became critical.

Flags at the Royal Palace in Oslo were lowered to half-mast as mourners gathered outside the palace to pay their respects.

Harald became king in 1991 and served for 35 years. Despite his declining health, he repeatedly rejected calls for abdication, maintaining that his commitment to the Norwegian throne was lifelong.