Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II of Monaco have joined royal families across Europe in mourning the death of King Harald V of Norway.
The Norwegian monarch died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet on Friday, August 28, at 6:35 a.m., according to an announcement from the Norwegian Royal House. He was 89 years old and had reigned for 35 years. His son has succeeded him as King Haakon VIII.
© Julien M. HekimianPrince Albert shared a personal letter addressed to the new King on behalf of Princess Charlene, his family and the people of Monaco.
“It is with profound sadness that The Princess and I have learnt of the passing of your beloved father, His Majesty King Harald V,” Albert wrote.
The Monegasque sovereign praised Harald’s devotion to Norway and remembered his “remarkable legacy of duty, humanity and commitment.”
© Patrick van KatwijkHe also highlighted the late King’s dedication to protecting the environment and promoting the Olympic values of sport, inclusion, cultural diversity and respect for human rights.
“These causes reflected his profound humanity and will remain an important part of his legacy,” Albert continued. “I remember fondly the wonderful moments we shared all together.”
The Palace accompanied the message with a photograph taken at the Royal Estate of Bygdø in June 2022. The image showed Albert and Charlene alongside King Harald, Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Princess Märtha Louise.
© Palais Princier de MonacoPrincess Gabriella and Prince Jacques were also pictured with their parents. Albert concluded his message by expressing confidence in Haakon as he begins his reign.
“We have every confidence that Your Majesty, strengthened by so many years of devoted service to Norway, will carry forward the work of your father with the same dignity and dedication,” he wrote.
King Frederik and Queen Mary remember “Uncle Harald”:
King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark also issued a deeply personal message to the new Norwegian King.
© RODRIGO FREITAS“Dear Haakon,” the letter began, reflecting the close relationship between the neighboring royal families. Frederik and Mary sent their condolences to “Aunt Sonja,” Haakon, Mette-Marit and the rest of the family.
“Your father meant a great deal to my mother and both of us,” they wrote. Referring to him affectionately as “Uncle Harald,” the Danish royals remembered his warm, dry sense of humor, unwavering calm and ability to make others feel comfortable in his presence.
© BO AMSTRUPThey described him as “an extraordinary man, with a twinkle in his eye and a big heart,” as well as a strong, unifying figure for the Norwegian people.
King Charles mourns his “dear cousin”:
King Charles III shared his own statement following the loss of his “dear cousin,” saying that he and Queen Camilla had learned of Harald’s death with “the most profound sadness.”
© Samir Hussein“For thirty-five years, King Harald served his people with unwavering dedication, guiding Norway through times of great change with warmth and humility,” Charles wrote.
The British monarch remembered Harald as a beloved relative and friend whose kindness, compassion and sense of duty resonated “across the sea and across the decades.” He also emphasized the close historical and family ties between the United Kingdom and Norway.
© LISE ASERUD“The Queen and I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Queen Sonja and all her family,” Charles concluded, adding that Britain shared in Norway’s grief.
Queen Máxima, King Willem-Alexander and Princess Beatrix pay tribute:
The Dutch royal family also honored the late monarch in a joint message from King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and Princess Beatrix.
© Patrick van Katwijk“We will always carry the memory of our special friendship with him in our hearts,” they shared. The royals recalled unforgettable moments spent exploring Oslo and northern Norway with Harald and praised the way he embraced the Netherlands and its people.
“King Harald will be remembered for his capacity for friendship and bringing people together,” the message continued. “Takk for alt,” which translates to “Thank you for everything.”
Belgium’s royal family remembers a reassuring presence:
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium described Harald as a monarch who remained close to his people throughout his long reign.
“His humour, humanity and sincerity made him a truly special man, held in the highest esteem and dear to so many,” they wrote.
© PhotonewsThe Belgian royals said generations of Norwegians had grown up with Harald as a familiar and reassuring presence. They also reflected on the family ties that gave their relationship a dimension extending far beyond their official responsibilities.
King Harald ascended the throne in 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V. Admired for his warmth, progressive outlook and commitment to national unity, he became one of Europe’s most respected monarchs. His death marks the end of an era for Norway and the beginning of his son’s reign as King Haakon VIII.
