King Haakon and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra Hold Condolence Audiences Following King Harald V's Death

Norway's Royal House announced that King Haakon VIII and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra will conduct condolence audiences on Saturday, following the passing of King Harald V.

King Harald V, who reigned as Europe's longest-serving monarch, died peacefully at the age of 89. His death occurred early Friday morning at the Oslo University Hospital. The Royal House confirmed that the King had been admitted to the hospital on August 17, initially due to anemia. However, his condition deteriorated significantly when he developed a severe blood infection.

In the days leading up to his death, King Harald V's health had been a cause for national concern. His condition was described as 'very grave' on Thursday, prompting hundreds of Norwegians to gather at the Royal Palace square to express their support and lay flowers. By Friday morning, these numbers had swelled into the thousands.

The Royal House stated that the King's coffin would lie in state at the Royal Palace chapel until the funeral and burial. The public will have the opportunity to pay their respects there. The funeral procession, carrying the King's coffin from the hospital to the palace, was met by many citizens lining the route, braving the persistent rain to witness the somber event. Religious services in memory of King Harald V are scheduled to take place in cathedrals and churches across Norway on Sunday.