King Harald V of Norway passed away this Friday, August 28, at the age of 89, according to a statement released by the Norwegian Royal House. Initially, the monarch was hospitalized due to fluid retention related to a treatment. However, his condition worsened when a bacterial blood infection was detected, alongside the hemolytic anemia he had been suffering from.
“King Harald passed away peacefully at Rikshospitalet on Friday, August 28, at 06:35,” the Norwegian Royal House stated. Norway had been in suspense since the previous day. During his first days of admission, Harald’s recovery had shown promise as he responded well to antibiotics. However, in a drastic turn of events, it was announced early Thursday morning that his condition had become “very grave.”
On the throne since 1991, Europe’s oldest reigning monarch suffered from worsening health problems in his final years but categorically refused to abdicate. Upon the news breaking, the Royal Palace began filling with floral tributes and hundreds of grieving citizens gathering spontaneously outside the royal residence.
A unifying figure With limited powers as head of State, the King inspired unity in Norway, always providing the right words during difficult times, such as after the 2011 terrorist attacks. International leaders, including the Dutch royal family, expressed their deepest condolences to the Norwegian royal family and the people of Norway.