KING HARALD OF NORWAY DIES AGED 89 AFTER 35 YEARS

King Harald of Norway died on Friday at the age of 89 following a reign of more than 35 years, the Royal Palace announced. The monarch passed away peacefully at Oslo Hospital at 6.35am local time after spending several weeks on sick leave. Harald had been hospitalised on 17 August for treatment of a bacterial infection in his blood. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, became Norway's new king following his father's death.

Harald was Europe's oldest living monarch at the time of his death. He had experienced multiple health issues in recent years and received a permanent pacemaker. In February, he was hospitalised with infection and dehydration whilst on holiday in Tenerife with Queen Sonja. In April 2024, whilst declining to abdicate, he reduced his public engagements permanently due to his age.

Tributes came from across Europe. King Charles III described Harald as his "dear cousin" and stated he had guided Norway "through times of great change with warmth and humility". Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahrr Stoere said the nation was mourning and expressed gratitude for "a long life in the service of Norway", noting that Harald had demonstrated "unwavering faith in the Norwegian people" throughout his three decades as monarch. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden said Harald had been "a good friend" to him, his family and Sweden.