“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of King Harald. The King died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6h35 (11h35 Hanoi time) on 28/8,” the Royal Family announced.

According to an AFP reporter, the national flag at the Royal Palace in Oslo was lowered to half-mast. Crown Prince Haakon, 53, will succeed to the throne.

King Harald V at the Royal Palace in Oslo in 2024. Photo: AFP

King Harald V, Europe’s oldest reigning monarch, had been hospitalized since 17/8 due to hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are destroyed abnormally quickly, causing fatigue and shortness of breath.

On 24/8, the Royal Family announced the king was being treated with antibiotics for sepsis and had responded to the treatment.

The Norwegian Royal Family gathered at King Harald V’s bedside on 27/8, while hundreds of people came to the palace to express their concern after his health deteriorated to a “critical” condition. Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon, who was serving as regent, cancelled all royal engagements.

People placing flowers and praying at Palace Square in Oslo after the Royal Family announced King Harald V’s health status on 27/8. Photo: AFP

King Harald ascended the throne in 1991 and faced numerous health issues in recent years, requiring him to have a pacemaker implanted and reduce his official schedule. However, he consistently rejected the possibility of abdicating, stating he had sworn an oath before the Norwegian parliament to serve for life.

In February, the king was hospitalized on the Spanish island of Tenerife for an infection and dehydration during a private trip with Queen Sonja. The Queen, also aged 89, was briefly hospitalized in May due to heart problems.

Huyen Le (According to AFP)