King Harald of Norway has died at the age of 89, it has been confirmed. The Norwegian monarch was the oldest reigning monarch in Europe, having held the title of monarch since 1991. The late royal has been succeeded by his son, who is now King Haakon VIII.
Death announced by the Royal Court
The Norwegian Royal Court announced that the King had passed away at Rikshospitalet in Oslo. It reads: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of His Majesty King Harald today. King Harald passed away peacefully at the National Hospital on Friday, August 28, at 6.35am."
Health struggles since 2003
King Harald has suffered from ill health since 2003. He was first admitted to hospital after doctors became concerned about side effects from his treatment for haemolytic anaemia. The King was receiving treatment for this condition, which then saw him develop fluid retention.
It was reported on Sunday that the royal had seen a deterioration in his health after developing a bacterial infection in his blood. After it was confirmed that he was on antibiotics, the Norwegian Royal Court announced on Thursday morning that the monarch's condition was "very serious."
New King and Queen
Norway's new monarch is King Harald's eldest son, the now King Haakon VIII. His wife, Mette-Marit, is the new Queen of Norway. The couple's daughter, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, is the new heir to the throne. The 22-year-old will one day be Norway's first Queen Regnant after absolute primogeniture rules changed to allow female royals in the line of succession to rule.
The couple had been pictured visiting Rikshospitalet hospital in the days before his death today. Queen Mette-Marit's son, Marius Borg Hoiby - the new King's stepson - was also seen visiting the hospital in a prison van. It was reported he was wearing an ankle monitor.
Funeral and succession details
Details about his funeral are yet to be announced. There will be several days of national mourning leading up to Harald's funeral in Oslo Cathedral. His late father, Olav V's, funeral was held just 13 days after his death in January 1991, so it could be held within the first two weeks of September. Further details will likely be announced in due course.
Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra is now the heir to the Norwegian throne following the death of her grandfather. She is the eldest daughter of the new King and Queen and was born on January 22, 2004. She takes on the role as the first female heir to the Norwegian throne in 600 years - the last female monarch being Queen Margaret, who died in 1412. Princess Ingrid is currently enrolled at the University of Sydney, where she is pursuing a three-year degree in the social sciences and living on campus.
