Global Leaders Pay Tribute as Norway’s King Harald V Dies at 89

European monarchs and world leaders expressed their condolences to Norway’s King Harald on Friday, following the royal palace’s announcement of his death at age 89.

Harald was the oldest reigning monarch on the continent, and his son Haakon immediately succeeded him to the throne.

Below are the principal tributes from across the continent and beyond.

Danish and Swedish monarchs

The monarchs of Denmark and Sweden described Harald as an extraordinary leader and a trusted friend who unified his nation.

“Both as head of state and a distinguished athlete, he served as an outstanding representative of his country and embodied the motto ‘All for Norway,'” Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf remarked, referencing Harald’s royal motto.

Denmark’s King Frederik X praised the late monarch as “an extraordinary man” who combined duty and responsibility with presence and compassion.

Dutch royal family

The Dutch royal family recalled “unforgettable” journeys with King Harald throughout Oslo and the rest of Norway.

“We cherish the memory of our special friendship with him in our hearts. King Harald served his country with love, pride, and conviction,” the family stated.

Belgian royals

Harald’s humour, humanity and sincerity made him a truly special man, Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde said.

“Generations of Norwegians grew up with him. For decades, he was a familiar and reassuring presence, a beacon of stability for his country, and he fulfilled his role with unwavering dedication, loyalty and dignity,” they added.

Spain’s royal family

Spain’s royal family hailed King Harald as an exemplar of responsibility, dignity, simplicity and tireless dedication to service for his country.

“With respect and admiration for him, as well as deep sadness, we offer our condolences” on the king’s death, they posted on social media.

Britain’s King Charles

Britain’s King Charles III hailed a “dear cousin” who served “with unwavering dedication, guiding Norway through periods of great change with warmth and humility.”

“As Norway mourns the loss of such a towering figure, my whole family joins in remembering a beloved kinsman and friend whose kindness, compassion and deep sense of duty resonated across seas and decades,” King Charles III said in a statement, personally signed Charles R.

French president

Harald “worked tirelessly throughout his reign to strengthen ties between Norway and France,” Emmanuel Macron wrote on X, recalling a “warm welcome” during his visit to Oslo in June 2025.

Ukraine’s President

“His Majesty embodied dignity, wisdom and an unwavering commitment to his country,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a statement.

“Ukraine will always remember his steadfast support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people during the darkest days of Russia’s aggression.”

Italy’s PM

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in a post on X, described Harald as “a monarch who served his nation with equanimity, authority and a deep sense of institutional duty, helping to strengthen ties between Norway and Italy throughout his long reign.”

Swiss president

Swiss President Guy Parmelin wrote on X that Harald “will be remembered for his steadfast leadership and devoted service to his country.”

Canada’s PM

“Canada mourns with you,” said a statement from Mark Carney, offering the condolences of his government.

“I had the privilege of meeting his Majesty last March in Oslo and he spoke of the ties between our nations with great warmth and affection.”

NATO, EU chiefs

Harald “showed himself to be a dedicated leader,” posted Mark Rutte, head of the NATO alliance that includes Norway.

“His own military roots made him a champion of the Norwegian armed forces and a long‑time friend of NATO,” he wrote online.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Harald “served his country with warmth, humility and an unwavering sense of duty.”

UN chief

A spokesman for UN Secretary‑General António Guterres said he was “deeply saddened” by the king’s death.

“He will be remembered for his engagement on children’s welfare and environmental issues, his support for diversity and calls for generosity,” the statement added.

Jordan’s royal family

Jordan’s Royal Hashemite Court said it mourned the passing of King Harald, “may his soul rest in peace.”

The court expressed the deepest sympathies of His Majesty and the Jordanian people, standing with Norway and its people during this difficult time.

King Abdullah ordered his court to observe three days of mourning, a statement from the court added.

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