Norway mourns King Harald as Haakon VIII ascends throne

Norway is mourning the death of King Harald V, who passed away at the age of 89 after a hospital stay for a rare blood condition. His son, Haakon VIII, has now ascended to the throne. Following the announcement of Harald's death, crowds gathered at the royal palace in Oslo to lay flowers and flags, with many visibly upset. The new King Haakon VIII held an extraordinary council of state meeting and adopted the royal family's motto, "All for Norway." King Harald V, who reigned for 35 years, was remembered as an inclusive and empathetic monarch who modernized the Norwegian monarchy. Tributes have poured in from European royals, political leaders, and citizens, acknowledging his service and the stability he provided.

King Harald V of Norway has died at the age of 89 at Oslo University Hospital. His death triggers the succession of his son, Crown Prince Haakon. The King had been receiving treatment for haemolytic anaemia and had a history of health issues. His passing occurs amidst controversy surrounding his daughter-in-law, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, whose past correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein has drawn public criticism and a statement of regret from her. Public support for the Norwegian monarchy has reportedly declined following these recent scandals.

Norway's King Harald died at the age of 89 on Friday, August 28, at Oslo University Hospital. His 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, automatically succeeded him as king. The palace announced his peaceful passing, and the flag at the royal palace in Oslo was lowered to half mast. King Harald, Europe's oldest reigning monarch, had been hospitalized since August 17 due to haemolytic anaemia, a condition causing fatigue and shortness of breath. His condition was described as "extremely serious" on Thursday, with the royal family, including Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon, spending time at his bedside.

Norway's King Harald, Europe's oldest reigning monarch, is in an "extremely serious" condition due to a blood disease, the palace announced. The 89-year-old king has been hospitalized in Oslo since August 17 with haemolytic anaemia, a condition leading to fatigue and shortness of breath. He was admitted due to fluid retention from cortisone treatment. Crown Prince Haakon is acting as regent, and both he and Queen Sonja have canceled royal engagements. Family members, including the Queen and Crown Prince, have been seen at the hospital. King Harald has faced various health issues in recent years but has consistently refused to abdicate.

Norwegian King Harald, 89, is in "very serious condition" as his health has deteriorated, palace officials announced Thursday. The monarch, who has hemolytic anemia and has been on sick leave for weeks, was admitted to the National Hospital in Oslo earlier this month. His condition had previously stabilized after a bacterial blood infection, but has now worsened. As a result, Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon have canceled their engagements. Crown Prince Haakon is serving as regent during the king's hospitalization. King Harald has been monarch since 1991 and has experienced multiple hospitalizations in recent years.

King Harald V of Norway's condition has worsened, with the royal household stating he is in an "extremely serious" state. The 89-year-old monarch has been hospitalized for over a week at Oslo University Hospital, receiving treatment for a rare blood condition, haemolytic anaemia. His wife, Queen Sonja, and son, Crown Prince Haakon, who has been serving as regent, have canceled all engagements and joined other family members at his bedside. Haemolytic anaemia reduces red blood cells, causing fatigue and shortness of breath, and King Harald has been treated with cortisone. King Harald, Europe's oldest head of state, has reigned since 1991.

Norway's King Harald V's health has worsened while he is hospitalized at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, for a bloodstream bacterial infection. The 89-year-old monarch, who has been on the throne since 1991, was admitted a week ago and is receiving antibiotics. Despite the deterioration, the King has responded to treatment and will remain on leave from royal duties until further notice. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, is serving as regent. This follows recent treatment for haemolytic anaemia and a pacemaker fitting in April 2024, when the King announced a reduction in public engagements due to his age.

Norway's King Harald, 89, has experienced a deterioration in his health over the weekend, according to the royal palace. He was admitted to the National Hospital a week ago and has been on sick leave for several weeks. The King is currently receiving antibiotics for a bacterial blood infection and has responded to treatment, with his condition reported as stable. Crown Prince Haakon is serving as regent during his father's absence. The palace previously stated the King suffers from hemolytic anemia, which required hospital treatment due to fluid accumulation. King Harald has been monarch since 1991 and has had multiple hospitalizations in recent years.