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The Kingdom of Norway mourns its king
🇴🇲 Oman /Culture & Society

The Kingdom of Norway mourns its king

From Times of Oman · () English

Summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Outcome reported
  • Norway mourned King Harald V after his death on August 28 at the age of 89, following nearly 36 years as head of state.
  • Residents across the country left flowers, candles and notes outside the royal palace and gathered at public displays showing images of the monarch.
  • His son, Crown Prince Haakon, succeeded him as king.

Norway has entered a period of national mourning after the death of King Harald V on August 28. Flags flew at half-mast in Oslo and across the country as people gathered to remember the monarch, who was 89 and had served as head of state for nearly 36 years.

He was an extraordinary man, every Norwegian’s grandfather.

— AmelieA psychology student from north of Oslo described Harald’s place in Norwegian public life.

Flowers, notes and candles appeared around the Kongelige Slott after news of the king’s hospitalization spread. Following his death, families, children and women wearing bunad, Norway’s traditional dress, traveled to the palace to express their grief and affection.

Many mourners described Harald as a kind and respected role model. Amelie, a psychology student from a town north of Oslo, called him “an extraordinary man, every Norwegian’s grandfather” and said he respected everyone and believed in equality. Benedicte, a professional from Bergen, said the loss felt especially painful because she had grown up looking to him as an example of honesty.

He was a role model. He respected everyone and believed in equality.

— AmelieShe explained why many Norwegians viewed the king as an example.

Images of the king appeared on screens throughout Oslo beside the monarchy’s motto, “Alt for Norge,” meaning “Everything for Norway.” Displays also appeared in Fredrikstad and Lillestrøm, including a supermarket table with candles, roses and a photograph of Harald.

In such complex times, the loss of a leader who sets a good example and is a model of honesty is even more deeply felt.

— BenedicteA resident of Bergen described why Harald’s death felt particularly painful.

Harald’s son, Haakon, succeeded him. Born in 1973 and a distant descendant of Queen Victoria of England, he had received his father’s public confidence. In his biography, The King Tells, Harald wrote, “I am so blessed that Crown Prince Haakon is the one who will carry this forward.” Per, a retiree from Oslo, said, “I’m happy that Haakon is the new king. We need a capable and generous leader in these difficult times.”

I am so blessed that Crown Prince Haakon is the one who will carry this forward.

— Harald VThe late king wrote about his son and successor in his biography, The King Tells.
About this summary

Originally published by Times of Oman. 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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