Norway mourns King Harald V, Europe's oldest monarch, dead at 89
King Harald V of Norway has died at 89, prompting an outpouring of floral tributes outside the Royal Palace in Oslo.
Mourners gathered outside Norway's Royal Palace in Oslo on Friday, laying floral tributes in memory of King Harald V, who has died at the age of 89.
The palace confirmed that the king passed away at the National Hospital in Oslo at 6:35 a.m. His death marks the end of a reign that spanned more than three decades, during which he became Europe's oldest serving monarch.
Harald's life was marked by extraordinary circumstances. As a child during World War II, he went into exile in the United States following the Nazi occupation of Norway. In a break with royal tradition, he chose to marry his school sweetheart rather than a European noblewoman, a decision that endeared him to the public.
Known for modernising the royal house, Harald resisted the trend of abdication seen among other aging European monarchs, choosing to serve until his death. His son has automatically ascended to the throne as King Haakon VIII.
While the Norwegian monarchy holds a largely symbolic role in the country's democracy of 5.5 million people, with real political power resting with the elected parliament, Harald was a beloved figure. His reign coincided with a period of significant economic growth driven by Norway's oil and gas industry.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed the nation's collective grief, stating that the people of Norway are left with a deep sense of gratitude for a long life spent in service to the country. He noted the king's unwavering faith in the Norwegian people and his ability to help them see the best in themselves and one another.