Norway’s King Harald V, the longest-reigning monarch in the country’s history and Europe’s oldest sitting head of state, has passed away at the age of 89, the Norwegian Royal Court announced on Friday.
The King had been under medical care for a rare blood disorder known as hemolytic anemia at Oslo University Hospital since mid-August. His health deteriorated significantly in recent days, prompting his wife, Queen Sonja, and their son, Crown Prince Haakon, to cancel all scheduled public appearances to remain by his side.
King Harald ascended to the throne in 1991 and served as Norway’s constitutional monarch for over three decades. He will be succeeded by his son, Crown Prince Haakon, who is next in line to the throne.
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