King Harald of Norway dies at age 89

King Harald V of Norway died on Friday, August 30, at Oslo National Hospital. He was 89 years old. Harald had been in hospital the week before, receiving treatment for a rare blood condition.

He became king in January 1991 and reigned for 35 years, making him Norway's longest-reigning modern monarch. He was also Europe's oldest reigning monarch at the time of his death. His son has now taken the throne as King Haakon.

Harald was known as a popular and down-to-earth king who helped unite the country during difficult times. He was the first Norwegian king born in Norway since the 14th century. He also broke royal tradition by marrying a commoner, Queen Sonja, with whom he spent nearly 58 years.