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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Norway's King Harald Dies at 89, Crown Prince Haakon Ascends Throne

From The Punch · () English

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

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • King Harald V of Norway died at the age of 89 on Friday, August 28, at Oslo University Hospital.
  • His son, Crown Prince Haakon, automatically succeeds him on the throne as the new king.
  • The monarch had been hospitalized since August 17 with hemolytic anemia, and his condition had been described as "extremely serious."

Norway's King Harald V, Europe's oldest reigning monarch, died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday, August 28, at the age of 89. The palace confirmed his passing, stating that his 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, automatically ascends to the throne.

It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today.

— The Royal PalaceOfficial statement announcing the King's death.

The King had been hospitalized since August 17, suffering from hemolytic anemia, a condition affecting red blood cells that caused fatigue and shortness of breath. His condition had deteriorated rapidly, with the palace announcing on Thursday that it was "extremely serious." The royal family, including Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon, kept vigil at his bedside.

King Harald passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday, August 28 at 6:35 am.

— The Royal PalaceOfficial statement specifying the time and location of the King's death.

King Harald, who ascended the throne in 1991, had faced multiple health issues in recent years, including requiring a pacemaker. Despite these challenges, he had consistently ruled out abdication, citing his lifelong oath to the Norwegian parliament. His passing marks the end of a significant era for the Norwegian monarchy.

The royal family had rushed to his bedside on Thursday as the palace announced that Harald’s condition was “extremely serious”.

— AFP reporterDescribing the urgency of the situation before the King's death.

Public reaction saw citizens gathering at the royal palace in Oslo, laying flowers and expressing their respect for the late King. Many described him as a "steady and warm king" and a unifying figure who promoted inclusive values in society. His reign, spanning over three decades, was characterized by his commitment to the nation and its people.

He was a very steady and warm king.

— Kaspara BolstadA member of the public expressing their view of the late King.
About this summary

Originally published by The Punch 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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