King Harald V, Norway's reform-minded head of state, dies at 89
Norway's King Harald V has died at the age of 89, ending a reign defined by his role as a reform-minded monarch. His passing occurs during a difficult period for the royal family, which is currently facing scandals involving the Crown Princess and her son.
Why it matters
The death of a long-serving monarch and the concurrent family scandals create significant political and social uncertainty for the Norwegian monarchy.
File photo. Norway's King Harald arrives for a lunch with Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Norwegian government, in Oslo, Norway Feb 14, 2024. (Photo: NTB/Cornelius Poppe via Reuters)
OSLO: Norway's King Harald , a reformer who emerged from the shadow of his well-loved, extrovert father over more than three decades on the throne, died on Friday (Aug 28) at the age of 89, the royal palace said, at a time of multiple crises for the Norwegian royal family.
"King Harald passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday 28 August, 0635 (local time, 0435 GMT)," the royal palace said on its website.
Harald, who was Europe's oldest living monarch, was taken to hospital on Aug 17. The palace said he was being treated for a bacterial infection in his blood.
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