King Harald V of Norway, Europe’s oldest monarch, dies at 89
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At a glance
- King Harald V of Norway has died at the age of 89 after a 35-year reign.
- His son, Crown Prince Haakon, succeeds him as King Haakon VIII.
- Tributes have been paid by European monarchs, including Britain's King Charles III.
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King Harald V of Norway, Europe's longest-serving and oldest reigning monarch, died on August 28 at the age of 89. The Royal Palace announced he passed away peacefully in hospital. His death ends a 35-year reign, during which he was seen as a modernising figure. A period of national mourning has been declared, and his 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, is set to succeed him as King Haakon VIII.
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Tributes have been paid by fellow European monarchs, with Britain's King Charles III offering condolences for his "dear cousin" and Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf remembering "a good friend". Royal observers have described the late king as a popular and reforming "People's king" who modernised the monarchy.
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Following the announcement, tributes were paid by fellow European monarchs. Britain's King Charles III sent his "most heartfelt condolences" at the death of his "dear cousin," while King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden remembered "a good friend."
Royal observers described the late king as a popular and reforming figure who modernised the monarchy and was respected for being down-to-earth. He was often called the "People's king" and was noted for showing emotion and humour. He was also credited with making the Norwegian monarchy more egalitarian and transparent.
King Harald was the nation's first king born in Norway since the 14th Century.
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