King Harald V of Norway Dies at 89

[Financial News] King Harald V of Norway, Europe’s oldest reigning monarch, died on the 28th at the age of 89, local time. Harald V, who held the throne for 35 years after ascending in 1991, was a symbol of national unity in Norway. Despite his advanced age and repeated health setbacks, he had said that he had made a "lifelong vow" to remain on the throne.
The Royal House of Norway said in a statement that Harald V died at 6:35 a.m. at Oslo University Hospital.
The royal family said, "It is with great sadness that we announce that King Harald V passed away today," adding, "The King died peacefully at 6:35 a.m. today at Oslo University Hospital."
Harald V had been receiving hospital treatment since the 17th for a bacterial infection in his blood. His condition worsened sharply over the weekend. On the 27th, a day before his death, the royal family said his condition was extremely critical, signaling that his passing was imminent.
Harald V, who ascended the throne in 1991, represented Norway for 35 years. In recent years, he had reduced his official duties as health problems of varying severity continued, but he did not step down from the throne.
As recurring health issues raised the possibility of handing the throne to Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway, 53, Harald V maintained in parliament that he had made a "lifelong vow" as monarch.
Norway is a constitutional monarchy, and the king has no real political power. Still, Harald V served as a symbolic anchor, drawing closer to the public whenever national crises arose.
In particular, when public grief deepened after natural disasters or terror attacks, he continued to meet victims and bereaved families in person to offer comfort. Rather than speaking out politically, he focused on the role of a monarch who unites the people, earning strong public support.

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