Norway's King Harald passes at 89, son Haakon VIII ascends the throne
King Harald of Norway died at 89, and his son Haakon VIII was instantly proclaimed his successor and met with the government.
The 89-year-old monarch died early Friday after a 35-year reign, following treatment for a rare blood disorder at Oslo's national hospital. Crowds gathered at the Royal Palace to lay flowers as his coffin was moved from the hospital. Haakon VIII formally succeeded his father and held a meeting with the cabinet. Leaders abroad, including King Charles III, sent condolences.
Why it matters
The death of Norway's head of state triggers a constitutional succession and marks a major shift in the country's leadership.
How this story developed
- Aug 27 Norway's King Harald Hospitalised with Severe Bacterial Infection, All Royal Appearances Cancelled
- Aug 28 The royal palace announced King Harald V’s death and the succession of King Haakon VIII.
In this story
king harald deathsuccessionnorwayhaakon viiiroyal palacecondolencesrare blood condition
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