Norway's King Harald V Dies at 89, Son Ascends as Haakon VIII
King Harald V of Norway, Europe's oldest monarch, has died at 89. His son has automatically become King Haakon VIII.
Norway's Royal Palace lowered its flag to half-staff on Friday following the death of King Harald V at the age of 89. The palace confirmed that the monarch passed away at the National Hospital in Oslo at 6:35 a.m.
Harald, who was Europe's oldest reigning monarch, had a life marked by both hardship and modernization. As a child during the Nazi occupation of Norway, he was sent into exile in the United States. He later made a notable personal choice by marrying his school sweetheart, forgoing a string of European noblewomen.
His reign, which began in January 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V, coincided with a significant economic boom in Norway driven by oil and gas. While the Norwegian monarchy holds a largely symbolic role in the country's democracy, Harald was a popular figure who modernized the royal house. He notably chose not to abdicate, unlike several other aging European monarchs.
With his passing, his son has automatically ascended to the throne as King Haakon VIII. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed the nation's grief, stating that the people of Norway are filled with gratitude for a life dedicated to service. He credited the late king with demonstrating unwavering faith in the Norwegian people and helping them see the best in themselves and one another.