King Charles III mourns death of cousin, King Harald of Norway

King Charles III has expressed his profound grief over the passing of his cousin, King Harald V of Norway. King Harald died in a hospital at the age of 89.

“

It is with deep sorrow that my wife and I have learned of the death of my dear cousin, King Harald of Norway.

In a statement, the British monarch shared his sadness, noting that he and his wife were deeply affected by the news. Charles described King Harald's 35-year reign as one of dedicated service to the Norwegian people. He praised Harald for leading Norway through significant periods of change with warmth and humility.

“

For 35 years, he has served his people with unwavering dedication and led Norway through times of great change with warmth and humility.

The two monarchs were third cousins, both descended from King Edward VII of the United Kingdom. "While Norway mourns the passing of such a great man, my entire family remembers a beloved relative and friend," Charles stated. He added that Harald's kindness, empathy, and deep sense of duty resonated across the sea and through the decades.

“

While Norway mourns the passing of such a great man, my entire family remembers a beloved relative and friend, whose kindness, empathy, and deep sense of duty resonated across the sea and through the decades.

Charles also underscored the particularly close historical and familial bonds between the United Kingdom and Norway. He recalled that Britain was among the first nations to recognize Norway's independence and establish diplomatic relations in 1905.

“

The United Kingdom and Norway share particularly close historical and family ties, with the UK being one of the first countries to recognize Norway's independence and establish diplomatic relations in 1905.