King Harald V of Norway Passes Away

Norway’s King Harald V died at the age of 89. He passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35 a.m. on August 28, according to the Royal Court. Harald had served as Norway’s king for more than three decades and was widely regarded as a reform-minded monarch who helped modernise the country’s royal institution.

Following his death, his 53-year-old son Haakon VIII became Norway’s new king. Haakon’s daughter, Ingrid Alexandra, has become Crown Princess and is next in line to the throne. Norway’s monarch has largely ceremonial powers, while executive authority rests with the elected government and parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over Harald’s death and praised his contribution to Norway.