The death this Friday of King Harald V of Norway at 89 years old has shocked the entire world. The monarch, a reformer who was in the shadow of his father for just over three decades and remained another three on the throne, will in turn be succeeded by his son, Haakon VIII. Since the announcement of his death, confirmed by the Norwegian Royal Palace, condolences to his family and tributes to Harald have poured in.
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“With our respect and admiration for his legacy, and with deep sadness, we express our heartfelt condolences on the passing of King Harald V, an example of responsibility, dignity, humility, and tireless dedication to the service of Norway and its people, both before and during his 35 years on the throne,” wrote the Spanish Royal House mid-morning on behalf of Kings Felipe VI and Letizia.
“King Harald served his people with unwavering dedication, guiding Norway through times of great change with warmth and humility,” shared Charles III of England, whose mother, Elizabeth II, passed away in 2022 at 96 years old. “My entire family joins in the memory of a very dear relative and friend whose kindness, compassion, and deep sense of duty resonated beyond the sea and across decades.”
From Sweden, King Carl XVI Gustaf emphasized the “friendship” that united them both and wished his godson Haakon “success and good luck in the important work ahead, serving our sister nation and its people.”
“Uncle Harald, with his warm personality and unwavering calm, was able to make anyone feel comfortable in his company. He was a wonderful man, with a sparkle in his eyes and a big heart,” wrote, from Denmark, King Frederik X and Queen Mary. “For 35 years, King Harald was a solid point of unity for the Norwegian people. He combined duty and responsibility with presence and humanity. He was loved by few and many will miss him.”
In Finland — along with Iceland, the only Nordic republic — President Alexander Stubb recalled “his long and dedicated service” as head of state, his “ability to unite Norwegians in all spheres of life,” and his “firm commitment to maintaining hope and confidence in the future.”
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From the Netherlands, King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and Princess Beatrix expressed their “deep sadness”: “We will always carry in our hearts the memory of our special friendship with him. King Harald served his country with love, pride, and dedication.” Similarly, the Kings of Belgium, Philippe and Mathilde, highlighted his “closeness to the Norwegian people,” as well as “his humor, humanity, and sincerity,” which made him a truly special man, highly esteemed and loved by many.
Condolences have also come from European institutions. “(…) For more than three decades, he served his country with warmth, humility, and an unwavering sense of duty,” wrote European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “He was held in the highest esteem both at home and abroad. His long and dedicated service to his nation will be remembered with great respect,” added European Council President António Costa.
Also from Brussels, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte highlighted his “commitment” and his “military background, which made him a defender of the Norwegian Armed Forces and a lifelong friend of NATO.”
“I received with deep sadness the news of the passing of King Harald, who worked tirelessly throughout his reign to strengthen ties between Norway and France,” wrote Emmanuel Macron meanwhile. “I will always remember the warm welcome he gave my wife and me in Oslo in June 2025,” added the French president.
In Berlin, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his “deep sadness” over the loss of a “great figure who was synonymous with prudence and unity.” And in Rome, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni highlighted the “service” rendered “to his nation with balance, authority, and a deep sense of institutions.”
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