Norway's King Harald V dies at 89; son becomes King Haakon VIII

OSLO - King Harald V of Norway died Friday at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35 a.m. local time. He was 89. The palace said he passed away peacefully after being treated for a bacterial blood infection linked to a blood disorder.

Harald was Europe's oldest reigning monarch and had been on the throne for 35 years. His son automatically became King Haakon VIII. Haakon's daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, is now heir to the throne under succession rules that allow firstborn women to inherit.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said the nation was in mourning and grateful for Harald's long service. Crowds laid flowers and flags outside the royal palace. Flags flew at half-staff and a period of national mourning began ahead of the funeral.

Born into a lineage tied to other European houses, Harald spent part of World War II in exile in the United States after Nazi Germany occupied Norway. He later refused a string of noble matches so he could marry Sonja Haraldsen, his longtime sweetheart. They wed in 1968. He became king in 1991 after the death of his father, King Olav V, and refused to abdicate despite later health problems, saying his parliamentary oath was for life.

Harald was hospitalized Aug. 17 with haemolytic anaemia, a condition that destroys red blood cells too quickly. His condition turned extremely serious this week. He had earlier health scares, including a 2024 infection abroad that led to a pacemaker.

Norway's monarchs play a largely ceremonial role in a democracy of about 5.5 million people. Haakon, 53, told an extraordinary council of state that he takes the motto "All for Norway." He is due to swear an oath before parliament and attend a consecration service. For many Norwegians, Friday closed a familiar chapter and opened a new one under a king already known as crown prince for decades.