King Harald V of Norway dies at 89

Norway’s King Harald V has died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 06:35 local time on Friday at the age of 89, following a week of hospitalisation for haemolytic anaemia. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, 53, has immediately succeeded him as king.

As reported by Tribune, the royal flag on the palace roof was lowered to half-mast following the announcement. Harald spent 35 years on the Norwegian throne — becoming the country’s first king born in Norway since the 14th century — and was widely described as the “People’s King” for his accessible, down-to-earth style.

He broke royal tradition by marrying a commoner and was praised for unifying the nation during crises, including the 2011 Oslo and Utøya attacks when he urged Norwegians not to let fear prevail.

Royal observers described his reign as transformative — making the monarchy more transparent, egalitarian and modern. His final years were marked by family difficulties, including scrutiny of Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein and her son’s rape conviction.