Norway's King Harald dies aged 89 as leaders pay tribute

King Harald V of Norway died at the age of 89. The flag at the Royal Palace was lowered to half-staff as people mourned the late king. Meanwhile, Norway’s Prime Minister urged the nation to support the new King as he leads Norway into a new era.

The flag at Norway’s Royal Palace was lowered to half-staff on Friday as King Harald V of Norway died at 89.

The palace said he died at the National Hospital in Oslo, and his coffin later arrived at the Royal Palace.

After ascending the throne on Friday, the 53-year-old new King confirmed his regnal name as Haakon VIII, reaffirming the traditional royal motto, “Everything for Norway,” and met with the country’s Cabinet.

Norway’s Prime Minister said that a new era was beginning.

He said while the whole nation is in mourning, the Norwegian people, with full confidence and support, are also opening their arms to the new King and Queen, who are taking on new roles with great responsibility being carried forward.

Mourners gathered and laid floral tributes outside Norway’s Royal Palace.

King Charles III of the United Kingdom also issued a statement highlighting the close historical and family ties between Britain and Norway, expressing deep condolences on behalf of his family.

Harald V was a cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II. He was crowned after his British-born father, King Olav V, died in January 1991. Having reigned for over 35 years, he had been Europe’s oldest monarch.

The popular king modernised the royal house but refused to follow in the footsteps of other aging monarchs who have abdicated in recent times.

He faced multiple hospitalisation in his final years, most recently due to a blood infection. The palace said he died at the National Hospital in Oslo at 6:35am, aged 89.