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Updated · Fox News · Aug 28Norway's King Harald Dies at 89, Elevating Crown Prince Haakon, 53
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 28Summary
- King Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35 a.m. Friday, the Royal House of Norway said, ending a 35-year reign.
- Haakon, 53, immediately becomes Norway's next monarch, making the succession automatic upon his father's death.
- Harald had been one of Europe's longest-serving monarchs and was credited with modernizing the royal house during his decades on the throne.
- The transition opens a new chapter for Norway's monarchy after a reign that also weathered recent family scandals that dented royal popularity.
Insights
With King Harald's unifying era over, can Crown Prince Haakon shield Norway's monarchy from escalating modern controversies? How did a former refugee who broke royal tradition by marrying a commoner become Norway's most indispensable modern symbol?