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King Harald of Norway: 'Fear gripped him' when he became king
🇩🇪 Germany /Culture & Society

King Harald of Norway: 'Fear gripped him' when he became king

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Norway mourns King Harald V, who died at the age of 87, remembered as a "King of the people."
  • His reign was characterized by openness and a deep connection to Norwegian society, extending into everyday language.
  • The phrase "Det er kongen!" (It is the king!), meaning "It can't get any better," reflects his esteemed status.

Norway is mourning the loss of King Harald V, who passed away at the age of 87. His reign, guided by the motto "Alt for Norge" (All for Norway), was marked by an era of openness and a profound connection with his people.

King Harald was deeply rooted in Norwegian society, a sentiment reflected in the common phrase used by young Norwegians, "Det er kongen!" This expression, translating to "It is the king!" or more colloquially, "It can't get any better," underscores the high esteem in which he was held.

From the beginning of his reign, Harald was recognized as a "King of the people." His approachability and his ability to connect with the populace made him a unifying figure, deeply integrated into the fabric of everyday Norwegian life and even its language.

His passing signifies not only the end of a monarch's reign but also the loss of a figure who embodied the spirit and values of the nation, leaving a void in the heart of Norwegian society.

King of the people

A description of King Harald V's connection with his subjects.
About this summary

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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