Norway's King Harald V passes away at 89

Norway's King Harald V has died at the age of 89 after being hospitalized for treatment of a rare blood condition. The palace in Oslo announced that he passed away peacefully at 06:35 local time (04:35 GMT) on Friday at the national hospital in Oslo. Following his death, the royal flag on the palace was lowered to half-mast. In the 24 hours prior to his death, members of the royal family visited him, and crowds laid flowers at the palace. Harald was Norway's first king born in Norway since the 14th century and has been succeeded by his son Haakon, 53, who will hold an extraordinary council of state with the government later on Friday. King Charles III expressed his condolences, while King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden remembered Harald as a good friend and wished success to his godson Haakon. After 35 years on the throne, Harald will be remembered as a popular figure who modernized the monarchy, broke with tradition by marrying a commoner, and served as a unifying figure during difficult times in Norway. Royal observers described him as down-to-earth and beloved, referring to him as the 'grandfather' of the nation and the 'People's king.' In the aftermath of the 2011 attacks in Oslo and on Utøya, Harald encouraged Norwegians to support one another and not succumb to fear. Throughout his reign, Harald and his family faced health challenges and scandals, including issues surrounding his daughter-in-law Mette-Marit's past associations. Harald's reign saw the Norwegian monarchy become more egalitarian and transparent. He is survived by his wife Queen Sonja, their daughter Princess Märtha Louise, their son King Haakon, and six grandchildren. Harald was born on February 21, 1937, and became crown prince in 1957. He married Sonja Haraldsen in 1968, and his choice to marry a commoner paved the way for his children to do the same. Harald became king in 1991 and was known for his empathy and support for diversity. He was also an accomplished sailor and environmentalist, serving as president of the Norwegian chapter of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) for 20 years. In recent years, the royal family faced scrutiny due to health issues and scandals, including the trial of Mette-Marit's son, Marius Borg Høiby, who was convicted of multiple offenses. Despite challenges, King Harald remained a beloved figure, and his legacy will continue with his son Haakon as he takes on the responsibilities of the monarchy.