Kathmandu— King Harald V of Norway died on Friday at Oslo University Hospital at the age of 89, following a recent hospitalization for a rare blood condition. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, will now reign as King Haakon VIII, automatically succeeding his father after 35 years on the throne. The Royal Palace announced the king’s death at 6:35 a.m. local time, following warnings that his condition had become ‘extremely serious.’ Harald V was Norway's first king born within its borders since the 14th century and oversaw decades of prosperity fueled by oil revenues.

Recent Health Battles

Harald V was hospitalized on August 17 with haemolytic anaemia, a condition characterized by the rapid destruction of red blood cells. This diagnosis came after years of health challenges for the monarch, including the need for a pacemaker and a reduced official schedule. Despite these issues, Harald consistently stated his intention to remain king for life, citing the lifelong oath he took before the Norwegian parliament.

A Life Shaped by War

Born in February 1937 near Oslo, Harald’s early life was dramatically impacted by World War II. When Nazi forces invaded Norway, his mother fled with him and his sisters to Sweden and then the United States. His father and grandfather, Haakon VII, continued the war effort from Britain. This experience profoundly shaped his understanding of national identity and resilience.

A Monarch Remembered for Compassion

King Harald earned widespread public affection for his compassionate leadership, particularly following the devastating 2011 attacks perpetrated by Anders Behring Breivik, which claimed the lives of 77 people. Addressing mourners at the time, he powerfully stated, “I remain convinced that the belief in freedom is stronger than fear.”

Succession Amidst Challenges

The transition to King Haakon VIII occurs during a period of scrutiny for the Norwegian royal family. In January, documents revealed correspondence between Crown Princess Mette-Marit and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Additionally, the new king’s stepson, Marius Borg Høiby, received a four-year prison sentence in June on charges including rape and domestic violence.

The Royal Palace has not yet announced details regarding funeral arrangements or official mourning periods for King Harald V.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.