King Harald V of Norway, who died aged 89 on August 28, surrounded by his family, will be remembered as the long-reigning monarch who helped to transform the Norwegian ruling house from an austere, distant institution into one of Europe’s most approachable royal houses.
The palace confirmed he passed away on Friday morning (evening AEST). “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of His Majesty King Harald today,” the announcement began.
“King Harald passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday, August 28 at 6.35 am,”.”
Born on February 21, 1937, at Skaugum, outside Oslo, Harald was the first Norwegian-born prince in 567 years and the only son of Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Märtha. Under the succession laws of the time, his birth secured the continuation of the royal line.
However, his life was shaped by war, and his childhood was abruptly interrupted by the invasion of Norway by Nazi Germany in April 1940.
The then three-year-old prince fled his homeland with his mother and sisters and spent most of World War II in the United States while his father stayed in Britain with King Haakon VII and the Norwegian government in exile.
Harald’s experience of living in exile with the monarchy, widely seen at home to be a symbol of both national pride and continuity, was enormously influential on the young Harald’s approach to becoming King and also his view of love and marriage. Harald fell in love with a commoner, Sonja Haraldsen – frowned upon at the time – and the couple waited patiently for nine years before King Olav V finally consented to their marriage in 1968.
The union proved to be both extraordinarily affectionate and enduring, and Sonja became Queen when Harald was crowned King to succeed his father on January 17, 1991. Four days later, Harald swore his constitutional oath before the Storting, Norway’s parliament, choosing to adopt the same motto as his father and grandfather: “We give our all for Norway.”
The nation of Norway he would rule was vastly different to the country into which he had been born as oil wealth transformed it into one of the richest societies in the world, immigration changed its demographics, and new social mores saw it become increasingly liberal.
The King moved easily with the times and one of his most memorable decisions came in 2016, when he used a speech at a palace garden party to offer an expansive and pioneering definition of Norwegian identity, embracing immigrants from myriad nations including Pakistan, Afghanistan and Poland. With them, he embraced their varied beliefs in Allah, in God, nature as deity, or even believing in no higher power at all. King Harald also welcomed and accepted his LGBTQ+ Norwegian subjects openly.
Royals and dignitaries around the world have paid tribute to the first Norwegian-born monarch in centuries. His cousin, King Charles III, among them.
The British monarch posted a statement in Norwegian on the royal family’s social media pages along with an image of the King and Queen with King Harald and Queen Sonja.
“It is with the most profound sadness that my wife and I have learned of the death of my dear cousin, King Harald V of Norway,” the King wrote in the statement.
“For thirty-five years, King Harald served his people with unwavering dedication, guiding Norway through times of great change with warmth and humility.”
The Danish royals flew their flags at half-mast to honour King Harald. King Frederik and Queen Mary also wrote a letter of condolences to Crown Prince Haakon after the news of his father’s passing.
“It is with great sorrow that we have received the news of the death of your father, His Majesty King Harald. Our warmest thoughts go to Aunt Sonja, to you and Mette-Marit, and to the rest of your family,” they wrote in their letter.
“Your father meant a great deal to my mother and to us. With his genial nature and steadfast calm, Uncle Harald could put anyone at ease in his company. He was a fine man with a twinkle in his eye and a big heart.”
“For 35 years, King Harald was a steadfast unifying figure for the Norwegian people. He combined duty and responsibility with warmth and humanity. He was universally liked and will be missed by many. The bonds between Denmark and Norway are strong; for generations, our families and countries have been closely linked. Your father stands as a beautiful embodiment of all that unites us.” “
They also sent good wishes to Haakon as he steps into the role of King.
“You are now stepping into the role of King—a responsibility we are convinced you will bear with the same honour and dignity as your father. May faith, hope, and love accompany you and give you strength on your path.”
Other Scandinavian nations reached out.
“It is with great sadness that I have received the news of our dear friend, King Harald’s passing,” King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden wrote. “King Harald’s life story is exceptional. After enduring the hardships of war and exile in his childhood, he was able to return with his family to a free Norway and witness the nation’s remarkable development throughout the twentieth century, before succeeding his father as King of Norway.”
“Both as Head of State and a successful athlete, he was an outstanding representative of his country,..” his statement continued. “He gave all for Norway. Throughout the years, King Harald has been a good friend to me, my family, and to Sweden. King Harald is now mourned by many in our country.”
“Today, my family and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Queen Sonja. I wish my dear Godson Haakon, who now succeeds his father as Head of State, success and good fortune in the important role that lies ahead of him, in service to our brother nation and its people.”
Tributes were also made by European royals including Queen Máxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.
“We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway,” they wrote. “We will always carry the memory of our special friendship with him in our hearts. King Harald served his country with love, pride and dedication. The times we spent together exploring Oslo and further north were truly unforgettable.”
“At this sad time, our thoughts are with Queen Sonja, the Norwegian royal family and the Norwegian people. King Harald will be remembered for his capacity for friendship and bringing people together. Takk for alt [Thanks for everything].”
“It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway,” King Philippe of Belgium wrote. “As Europe’s oldest reigning monarch, he was, above all, a King who remained close to his people. His humour, humanity and sincerity made him a truly special man, held in the highest esteem and dear to so many. Generations of Norwegians grew up with him. For decades, he was a familiar and reassuring presence, a beacon of stability for his country. He fulfilled his role with unwavering dedication, loyalty and dignity. Our family ties gave our relationship a dimension that went far beyond the scope of our official duties. We will cherish the memory of the moments we shared with him.”
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