By admin 
Norway is plunged into a period of national mourning following the peaceful passing of its beloved monarch, King Harald V, at the age of 89. His death, confirmed early Friday morning at 06:35 local time (04:35 GMT) after a week-long hospitalization for a rare blood condition, has sent waves of grief across the nation. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, has now ascended to the throne as King Haakon VIII, embracing the royal family’s motto, "All for Norway," as he assumes his new responsibilities.
The announcement of King Harald’s death immediately drew crowds to the Royal Palace in Oslo. Citizens, many visibly emotional, gathered to lay flowers and flags, creating a poignant sea of tributes outside the palace walls. The profound sense of loss was palpable, with many sharing personal anecdotes and expressions of gratitude for their late king’s decades of service.
Hours after the solemn confirmation, the newly crowned King Haakon VIII convened an extraordinary council of state meeting with government ministers. The 53-year-old monarch, now the head of state, has pledged to uphold the values and traditions that defined his father’s reign. His choice to adopt the royal family’s long-standing motto underscores his commitment to serving the Norwegian people.
King Harald V, who reigned for over three decades, is widely remembered as an inclusive, transparent, and deeply empathetic monarch who played a pivotal role in modernizing the Norwegian monarchy. He was often described as a "people’s king," bridging the gap between the royal family and the public through his approachable demeanor and genuine engagement. His reign, which began in 1991 upon the death of his father, King Olav V, was marked by a steady hand and a commitment to constitutional monarchy, providing a consistent source of stability for the nation.
Tributes have poured in from across Europe and beyond. European royals, including King Charles III of the United Kingdom – whose mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was King Harald’s second cousin – have extended their condolences. Political leaders and ordinary citizens alike have lauded Harald’s dedication and the stability he represented. Norway’s Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, was among the first to lay flowers at the Royal Palace and sign a book of condolences. He addressed the nation, stating that Norway was "united in grief and gratitude," and emphasized that the late king’s "legacy lives on." In a televised memorial address, Støre also offered his deepest sympathies to Queen Sonja, who would have celebrated her 58th wedding anniversary with King Harald on Saturday. The Queen, a beloved figure in her own right, now faces this profound personal loss alongside her national duties.
The impact of King Harald’s passing has resonated with figures from all walks of Norwegian life. Norwegian national footballer Erling Haaland, a global sporting icon, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, thanking King Harald for "everything you meant to Norway" and recalling the honor of meeting him at the palace earlier in the summer following the FIFA World Cup. His words reflect the widespread admiration the king commanded, transcending professional fields.
In the heart of Oslo, the streets became a testament to the deep affection Norwegians held for their late monarch. Biteya Terfassa, an Oslo resident who emigrated from Ethiopia, shared her personal connection with the king. "He made us feel at home and he made us feel loved," she told Reuters, her voice filled with emotion. "So he was like a grandfather that I never had." This sentiment highlights King Harald’s success in fostering a sense of belonging and unity within Norway’s diverse population.
The Norwegian Armed Forces marked the solemn occasion with a funeral salute of 21 shots fired from Akershus Fortress in central Oslo at noon. Later on Friday, a procession carried the King’s body from the chapel at Rikshospitalet, where he passed away, to the Royal Palace, a somber journey through the capital.
Norway has officially declared a period of national mourning that will continue until the day of the funeral, the date of which has yet to be announced. During this time, flags will fly at half-mast across the country, and a portrait of King Harald will be displayed in public spaces, accompanied by lit candles and moments of silence observed at professional events. In a significant gesture of respect and national unity, all non-work-related social events have been cancelled or postponed. Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe, who was scheduled to marry on Friday, made the difficult decision to postpone her own wedding, underscoring the profound impact of the King’s death on national life.
With King Harald’s passing, Crown Prince Haakon, his younger child, now assumes the mantle of monarch. His wife, Mette-Marit, is now Queen Consort. King Haakon is scheduled to take his oath before the Norwegian parliament on Tuesday, followed by a consecration service – a modernized and less elaborate version of a coronation, as Norway no longer performs traditional coronation ceremonies.
Standing by her father’s side during the extraordinary cabinet meeting was Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, the 22-year-old heir to the throne. Her position as next in line to the throne, a direct result of succession rules changed in 1990 to allow firstborn daughters to inherit the crown, signifies the evolving nature of the Norwegian monarchy. Her presence alongside her father and grandmother, Queen Sonja, offers a glimpse into the future of the royal family.
King Haakon VIII inherits the throne at a particularly challenging time for the royal family, which has navigated a series of personal health issues and public scrutiny throughout the year. Queen Mette-Marit faced considerable attention earlier this year when details emerged of her past friendship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, for which she has since publicly apologized. Shortly thereafter, she underwent a lung transplant to treat pulmonary fibrosis, a condition she has battled since 2018. Her recovery remains ongoing, and doctors will not be able to declare her stable until the following year, placing a significant personal and logistical burden on King Haakon as he balances his new official duties with his wife’s care.
Adding to these challenges, Queen Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, was convicted in June of rape and other offenses, receiving a four-year prison sentence. He is currently appealing the verdict. While Marius Borg Høiby is not a member of the royal family by birth, he was raised within the royal household from the age of four, following his mother’s marriage to Crown Prince Haakon. This situation, while not directly impacting the line of succession, has added to the public discourse surrounding the royal family.
Despite these recent challenges, Norwegian royal experts have expressed confidence in King Haakon’s ability to lead the nation. While acknowledging the turbulence surrounding his family, they describe the new king as a respected, hard-working individual poised to guide Norway forward. His father’s enduring popularity, even amidst a recent dip in public support for the monarchy – a poll for the newspaper Aftenposten indicated a drop from 72% in 2024 to 54% – suggests a deep-seated respect for the institution itself. However, the challenges facing the royal family, particularly concerning Mette-Marit’s health and the legal issues surrounding Marius Borg Høiby, will undoubtedly shape the early years of Haakon VIII’s reign. The public’s perception of his leadership will be crucial as he navigates these complex circumstances and strives to uphold the legacy of his father while forging his own path as King of Norway.
