Norway's King Harald V Dies at Age 89
Norway’s King Harald dies aged 89
Norway's King Harald V has died at age 89 following hospitalization for treatment of a rare blood condition. The palace in Oslo announced his peaceful death Friday morning at the national hospital. Harald, Norway's first king born in the country since the 14th century, reigned for 35 years and is succeeded by his son, Crown Prince Haakon, 53.
Harald was widely regarded as a modernizing and popular figure who reformed the Norwegian monarchy, broke with tradition by marrying a commoner, and served as a unifying presence during national crises. Royal observers characterized him as down-to-earth and beloved, earning him the titles "grandfather of the nation" and "People's King"—a designation also held by his father, King Olav V.
