Norway's King Harald V dies at 89, tributes pour in from world leaders

Norways King Harald V died at the age of 89 on Friday with European monarchs and world leaders paying tribute to the countrys longestserving modern monarch The royal palace announced his death after which his son Crown Prince Haakon automatically succeeded him to the throne news agency AFP reportedHarald had been Europes oldest reigning monarch and served as Norways king since 1991 Tributes from royal families and international leaders highlighted his dedication humility warmth and role as a unifying figure for NorwayBritains King CharlesBritains King Charles III who called Harald his dear cousin said his fellow monarch had served with unwavering dedication guiding Norway through times of great change with warmth and humilityAs Norway mourns the loss of so towering a figure my whole family join in remembering a muchloved kinsman and friend whose kindness compassion and deep sense of duty echoed from across the sea and across the decades the king said in a statement personally signed Charles RDanish and Swedish monarchsThe kings of Denmark and Sweden called Harald an extraordinary leader and good friend who unified his countryBoth as head of state and a successful athlete he was an outstanding representative of his country He gave All for Norway Swedens King Carl XVI Gustaf said referring to Haralds royal mottoDenmarks King Frederik X stated that the late monarch was an extraordinary man who joined duty and responsibility with presence and compassionDutch royal familyThe royal family of the Netherlands recalled unforgettable journeys with King Harald around Oslo and the rest of NorwayWe cherish the memory of our special friendship with him in our hearts King Harald served his country with love pride and conviction the family said in a statementBelgian royalsHaralds humour humanity and sincerity made him a truly special man Belgiums King Philippe and Queen Mathilde saidGenerations of Norwegians grew up with him For decades he was a familiar and reassuring presence a beacon of stability for his country He fulfilled his role with unwavering dedication loyalty and dignity a statement readSpains royal familySpains royal family hailed King Harald as an example of responsibility dignity simplicity and tireless dedication to the service of his countryWith respect and admiration for him as well as deep sadness we offer our condolences on the kings death they wrote on social mediaNATO EU chiefsHarald showed himself to be a dedicated leader posted Mark Rutte head of the NATO alliance that includes NorwayHis own military roots made him a champion of the Norwegian military and a longtime friend of NATO he wrote onlineEuropean Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Harald served his country with warmth humility and an unwavering sense of dutyFrench presidentHarald worked tirelessly throughout his reign to strengthen the ties uniting Norway and France French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X recalling a warm welcome on his visit to Oslo in June 2025Italy PMItalian Prime Minister PM Giorgia Meloni in a post on X called Harald A monarch who served his nation with equanimity authority and a deep sense of institutional duty helping to strengthen the ties between Norway and Italy throughout his long reignIsraeli PresidentIsraeli President Isaac Herzog hailed the loyalty and devotion of Harald who early in his reign supported the landmark Oslo Accords between Israel and the PalestiniansSwiss PresidentSwiss President Guy Parmelin wrote on X that Harald will be remembered for his steadfast leadership and devoted service to his countryWith AFP inputs