Norway mourns King Harald; son Haakon VIII ascends throne
Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.
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- Norway mourns the passing of King Harald, who died at age 89 after a 35-year reign, with thousands gathering in Oslo to pay respects.
- His 53-year-old son has succeeded him as King Haakon VIII, taking over a monarchy known for its modernity and modesty.
- Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store remembered King Harald for his love for his people, humor, warmth, and faith, marking the end of an era.
Thousands of Norwegians gathered in Oslo to mourn King Harald, who died Friday at the age of 89, concluding a reign of 35 years. Mourners laid flowers and paid their respects outside the Royal Palace, marking the end of a significant era for the nation.
An era has ended. A new one begins. The king is dead. Long live the king.
King Harald's 53-year-old son immediately ascended to the throne as King Haakon VIII. He inherits a monarchy recognized for its modern and modest approach, though it has faced a series of scandals in recent years. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store acknowledged the transition, stating, "An era has ended. A new one begins. The king is dead. Long live the king."
Prime Minister Store lauded King Harald for his profound connection with his people, highlighting his humor, warmth, and "unwavering faith in us." The King, who had been hospitalized since August 17 with hemolytic anemia, was described as "a king of his time and for his time," having guided Norway through decades of substantial change, including increased wealth, population growth, and growing diversity.
We will remember King Harald for his love for his people, for his humour and warmth, and for his unwavering faith in us.
Well-wishers lined the streets as a motor procession carried King Harald's casket from Oslo University Hospital to the royal palace. The new monarch, Haakon VIII, arrived at the palace with his daughter, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, to formally notify the government of his father's death. He expressed gratitude for the support and sympathy extended to the Royal Family.
He has meant a great deal, he has been a unifying king, he has been a king of the people.
Norway's parliament is scheduled to witness the new monarch take his oath of allegiance on September 1. A period of national mourning has been declared until King Harald's funeral, the date for which has not yet been set. Many Norwegians viewed King Harald as a unifying figure, embodying an open and tolerant Norway, with one mourner describing him as "like a grandfather to the whole nation."
He has been like a grandfather to the whole nation.
About this summary
Originally published by CNA in English. 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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