King Harald V of Norway, Europe’s oldest sitting monarch who guided his nation through decades of economic prosperity, passed away on Friday at the National Hospital in Oslo at 6:35 a.m. He was 89.
Born into the royal family, Harald spent his early childhood exiled in the United States during the Nazi occupation of Norway. He later broke royal tradition by insisting on marrying his commoner sweetheart, choosing her over prospective partners from European nobility.
Upon ascending the throne in January 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V, Harald presided over a constitutional monarchy that modernization swept through, all while choosing to remain on the throne rather than abdicate as several of his European peers had done.
Though the Norwegian monarch holds a primarily ceremonial position with constitutional power residing in parliament, Harald remained a deeply revered figure throughout the country’s oil-driven economic boom. His son immediately succeeds him on the throne as King Haakon VIII.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed national sorrow following the announcement of the king’s passing:
“A whole nation is in mourning and the people of Norway are left with a deep sense of gratitude for a long life in the service of Norway,” Støre said.
“For more than three decades as monarch, Harald V demonstrated an unwavering faith in the Norwegian people. He helped us to see the best in ourselves — and in one another.”