King Harald, Europe’s oldest monarch, was regarded as a reformer who embraced inclusivity. Norwegians are paying their respects to King Harald at the Royal Palace in Oslo, where he lies in state, with many remembering him as a unifying leader who reigned for 35 years. A national period of mourning was declared following his death on Friday at the age of 89. Thousands have gathered in the capital to pay their respects and lay flowers. He was known in Norway as a reformer and the embodiment of a tolerant and open nation.
“He has meant a great deal and has been a unifying king,” Line Stousland, 49, told AFP news agency. “He has been a king of the people, like a grandfather to the whole nation.”
King Harald died at Oslo University Hospital, where he had been since August 17, suffering from haemolytic anaemia, a condition that leads to fatigue and shortness of breath due to the rapid destruction of red blood cells. A date for the funeral has not yet been set.
Flags are flying at half-mast throughout Norway, with portraits of him in gala uniform displayed at bus stops, offices, shops, and public buildings. As Norwegians mourn, the transition to a new reign began immediately. Harald’s 53-year-old son, who will be known as King Haakon VIII, became Norway’s new monarch upon his father’s passing. He is scheduled to take the oath in front of parliament on Tuesday, where he will swear to defend Norway’s constitution and laws.
Haakon takes over a monarchy recognized for its modernity and modesty, but which has faced a series of recent scandals. Earlier this year, two high-profile Norwegian politicians and the crown princess were linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A police investigation was opened into former Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland on suspicion of corruption, while the princess’ 29-year-old son, Marius Borg Hoiby, the new king’s stepson, was sentenced in June to four years in prison on two counts of rape and 32 other charges, including domestic violence.
“An era has ended. A new one begins. The king is dead. Long live the king,” Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store stated in a speech shortly after meeting the new monarch. “We will remember King Harald for his love for his people, for his humour and warmth and for his unwavering faith in us.”