King Harald, who guided Norway from war to prosperity, dies

King Harald V of Norway, a monarch who navigated his country through decades of change, has died. He lived a life dedicated to Norway, experiencing its transition from wartime occupation to a period of sustained prosperity and peace.

Throughout his reign, King Harald was known for his ability to connect with his subjects. Early in his tenure as regent, he visited victims of a winter storm on the country's west coast. In 1997, he opened the Sami Parliament, acknowledging the Sami people and apologizing for past government policies of forced assimilation. In 2011, he spoke with visible emotion following the terrorist attacks in Oslo and Utøya.

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Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who love boys, and girls and boys who love each other. Norwegians believe in God, Allah, Altet and Ingenting.

The King's reign coincided with significant societal progress in Norway, marked by advancements in gender equality, acceptance of diversity, and a broader embrace of different lifestyles. His 2016 speech in Queen's Park captured this evolution, stating, "Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who love boys, and girls and boys who love each other." He also acknowledged diverse beliefs, noting, "Norwegians believe in God, Allah, Everything, and Nothing."

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Invisible hands guide us.

In his 2023 New Year's address, King Harald referenced Jon Fosse's words, "Invisible hands guide us." He interpreted these hands as love, friendship, faith, will, and hope, essential for navigating personal and societal challenges. He particularly focused on young people who felt unseen by society, expressing, "I don't know what it's like to be you. But I would very much like to understand."

King Harald also demonstrated generosity in his personal life, notably in his long campaign to marry Sonja Haraldsen against his father's wishes. He remained supportive of his children's life choices, despite challenges. The Norwegian monarchy, loyal to democracy, saw the King assert his influence on two occasions: insisting Queen Sonja attend the opening of Parliament, despite her constitutional role, and intervening in the separation of church and state to retain the confession of faith in the constitution. He leaves behind a modernized monarchy and memories of a stable, unifying monarch.

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I don't know what it's like to be you. But I would very much like to understand.