The Norwegian royal family confirmed his death in a statement on Friday, saying the king passed away peacefully at the hospital Oslo’s Rikshospitalet.
“It is with great sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald has passed away today. King Harald passed away peacefully at Rikshospitalet on Friday, August 28, at 6:35 a.m.,” the Norwegian royal family wrote.
King Harald was 89
The news comes after a period of serious health problems for the Norwegian monarch.
King Harald was admitted to Rikshospitalet in Oslo on Monday, August 17, following a medical examination. At the time, the royal family said he had been treated with steroids in recent weeks for hemolytic anemia, a blood disorder.
His condition deteriorated during his hospital stay. The royal family later announced that he was receiving antibiotics for an infection caused by bacteria in his blood.
On Monday, August 24, the situation was still described as stable, and the palace said the king had responded to treatment. But on Thursday, August 27, the royal family announced that his health had taken a serious turn.
“The king’s health condition is very serious,” they said.
At the same time, all official engagements for Crown Prince Regent Haakon and Queen Sonja were canceled.
Before the heartbreaking news of the king’s death was announced, several of his closest family members gathered at the hospital.
Shortly after it was confirmed that King Harald’s condition was “very serious,” Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit arrived at Rikshospitalet. Queen Sonja also came to the hospital.
Prince Sverre Magnus and the king’s sister, Princess Astrid, arrived shortly afterward, followed later by Princess Ingrid Alexandra.
Several members of the royal family had also visited King Harald in the days leading up to his death. His family was therefore gathered around him during his final hours.
