
King Charles III, NATO, and EU leaders mourn the death of Norway's King Harald V
Britain’s King Charles III, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have expressed their condolences following the death of Norway’s King Harald V at 89. King Harald, who reigned for over three decades, passed away on Friday, with his 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, succeeding him. King Charles described Harald as his “dear cousin” and a “towering figure” who guided Norway through significant changes with dedication, warmth, and humility. He also highlighted the close historical and family ties between Britain and Norway. NATO Secretary General Rutte remembered Harald as a “dedicated leader” with military roots and a strong connection to NATO. European Commission President von der Leyen also paid tribute, noting Harald’s service to Norway with warmth, humility, and an unwavering sense of duty, calling him a “true European” and a “lifelong servant of his people.” Harald became king in 1991 after his father, King Olav V, died, and his reign of more than 35 years made him a popular and unifying figure in Norwegian public life.



