The King has paid tribute to his “dear cousin” King Harald V of Norway, who has died aged 89. Harald, who was Charles’s second cousin once removed, died on Friday morning, with his son automatically becoming King Haakon VIII.
King’s statement of condolence
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the King said: “It is with the most profound sadness that my wife and I have learned of the death of my dear cousin, King Harald V of Norway.
“For 35 years, King Harald served his people with unwavering dedication, guiding Norway through times of great change with warmth and humility.
“As Norway mourns the loss of so towering a figure, my whole family join in remembering a much-loved kinsman and friend whose kindness, compassion and deep sense of duty echoed from across the sea and across the decades.”
Historic ties between nations
The King also highlighted the close relationship between the two countries, saying: “The United Kingdom and Norway share particularly close historical and family ties, with Britain one of the first countries to recognise Norwegian independence and establish diplomatic relations in 1905.
“These special bonds were even further strengthened during the dreadful trials of the Second World War and helped to bind our two countries together.
“The Queen and I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Queen Sonja and all her family, as Britain shares in Norway’s grief at this time of such heartbreaking loss.
“Charles R.”
