Norway's King Harald V Dies at 89

King Harald V of Norway, Europe's longest-reigning monarch, passed away on Friday, August 28, at the age of 89. The Norwegian Royal Palace confirmed his death, stating that His Majesty "peacefully passed away at the National Hospital (Rikshospitalet) on Friday, August 28, at 6:35 AM." The King had remained on the throne until his final days, a stance he reiterated in January 2024 when he refused to abdicate, stating, "I have sworn before the Storting (unicameral Parliament) to fulfill my mission until the end."

King Harald, who belonged to the House of Glücksburg, ascended to the throne on January 17, 1991. His decision not to abdicate contrasted with that of his cousin, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, who stepped down at age 83 in January 2024 in favor of her son, Crown Prince Frederik, after a 52-year reign.

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It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald has left us today.

The King had been admitted to Oslo University Hospital on August 17 and was being treated for a bacterial infection in his blood. This was not his first health-related hospitalization in recent times. In 2024, he was treated for an infection in Malaysia and received a temporary pacemaker. He was later flown back to Norway and fitted with a permanent device.

Harald's reign spanned over three decades, during which he was seen as a reformer who modernized the ceremonial role of the Norwegian head of state. His passing marks the end of an era for the Norwegian monarchy.

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I have sworn before the Storting (unicameral Parliament) to fulfill my mission until the end.