As reported, King Harald V of Norway passed away on August 28 at the age of 89. The oldest monarch in Europe had been hospitalized since August 17 due to hemolytic anemia. This condition is caused by an unusually rapid destruction of red blood cells, leading to fatigue and shortness of breath. Harald, who ascended to the Norwegian throne in 1991, faced various health issues in recent years that forced him to limit his official duties. However, he refused to abdicate, stating that he had made a lifelong oath before the Parliament of Norway. During their nearly 58 years of marriage, Harald and Queen Sonja had a son, Haakon, and a daughter, Princess Märtha Louise. The royal couple has six grandchildren. The new King of Norway, Haakon VIII, took the oath in Parliament on September 1, promising to uphold the Constitution of Norway, under which the monarchy plays primarily a symbolic role. Haakon VIII became king following the death of his father, the 89-year-old King Harald V. The funeral of Harald V will take place at the Oslo Cathedral. Afterward, he will be buried in the mausoleum at Akershus Fortress in Oslo.
