Norway mourns King Harald as new era begins under Haakon VIII

King Harald, Europe’s oldest monarch, was viewed as a reformer who embraced inclusivity.Published On 29 Aug 202629 Aug 2026Norwegians are saying goodbye to King Harald ⁠⁠at ⁠⁠the Royal Palace in Oslo where he lies in state, with many well-wishers remembering a unifying leader who was on the throne for 35 years.A national period of mourning was declared in the Nordic kingdom following the death of Europe’s oldest monarch on Friday, aged 89. Thousands have gathered in the capital since then to pay their respects and lay flowers. He was known in Norway as a reformer and the embodiment of a tolerant and open nation who embraced inclusivity.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Haaland’s Norway receive heroes’ welcome in Oslo after World Cup exitlist 2 of 4Norway’s King Harald in ‘extremely serious’ condition, palace sayslist 3 of 4‘Active in BDS’: Document reveals how Israel scrutinised global NGOslist 4 of 4Norway’s King Harald V dies, succeeded by sonend of list“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 in Oslo University Hospita...