King Harald V of Norway died on Friday, August 28, at the age of 89, after more than three decades at the head of the Norwegian monarchy. The death came after a last 24 hours of great uncertainty about his state of health, during which his family has remained by his side.
His son and heir, Haakon, spent the night with the monarch in hospital and now becomes the new king of Norway.
The Norwegian Royal House has been in charge of officially communicating the death. «It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of His Majesty King Harald. King Harald passed away peacefully at the National Hospital on Friday, August 28 at 6:35 a.m.,» it said in a statement.
Harald V had been on the throne of Norway since 17 January 1991, when he succeeded his father, Olaf V. His death ends a 35-year reign and opens a new era for the monarchy of the Scandinavian country with Haakon at the head of the Crown.
