Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden has said goodbye to King Harald of Norway, her beloved godfather. Her tribute revealed the affection behind a relationship that went far beyond royal ties. To Victoria, he was “Uncle Harald.”
© Getty ImagesKing Harald died peacefully at Rikshospitalet on Friday, August 28, at 6:35 a.m., Norway’s Royal House confirmed. He was 89 and reigned for 35 years. He is survived by his wife, Queen Sonja, and his children, King Haakon and Princess Märtha Louise.
© NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesRoyal families across Europe have paid tribute to King Harald. Victoria’s farewell, however, came from a different place. Sweden’s future queen remembered not just a monarch but the godfather who had known her all her life.
© Getty ImagesIn a statement released by the Swedish Royal Court, Victoria remembered King Harald’s warmth, ready laugh and unmistakable “twinkle in his eye.” She ended with a message for her “Uncle Harald”:
“Uncle Harald, you will remain forever in the hearts of all of us who loved you!”
Princess Victoria Remembers Her “Uncle Harald”
Victoria remembered King Harald not for the grandeur of his position, but for the warmth and humor he brought to those around him. “King Harald was a deeply beloved godfather, always welcoming and warm. He was quick to laugh and had a twinkle in his eye,” she said.
© Getty ImagesShe went on to describe him simply as “an extraordinarily good person. A role model.” Then came one of the most poignant passages in her tribute.
“Some people leave footprints that time can never erase. King Harald is one of those people. With his warmth and presence, he had an extraordinary ability to truly see people.”
Victoria ended her personal farewell with words addressed directly to the man she had known all her life: “Uncle Harald, you will remain forever in the hearts of all of us who loved you!”
© NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesShe also expressed her condolences to Norway and the Royal Family on behalf of herself and her husband, Prince Daniel.
“During these days, Prince Daniel’s thoughts and mine are with Norway and its people. We send our warmest condolences to Queen Sonja, King Haakon and Queen Mette-Marit, as well as to the entire Norwegian Royal Family.”
King Carl XVI Gustaf Mourns a Close Friend
Victoria’s tribute followed an official statement from her father, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, who mourned the loss of a longtime friend. The Swedish Royal Court also declared a period of mourning, with flags lowered to half-staff in King Harald’s honor. “It is with great sadness that my family and I have received the news that our dear friend King Harald has passed away,” the Swedish king said.
© UK Press via Getty ImagesHe reflected on the extraordinary arc of Harald’s life, from a childhood shaped by war and exile to his decades as Norway’s head of state.
“King Harald’s life story is extraordinary. After the hardships of his childhood, which included war and exile, he and his family were able to return to a free Norway and witness the country’s remarkable development during the 20th century, before he eventually succeeded his father as King of Norway.”
© UK Press via Getty ImagesKing Carl Gustaf also recalled Harald’s achievements beyond his royal duties.
“Both as head of state and as an accomplished athlete, King Harald was an outstanding representative of his country. He gave ‘everything for Norway.’”
King Carl Gustaf spoke just as personally about the friendship the two men shared.
“Throughout all these years, the King has been a good friend to me, to my family and to Sweden. King Harald is now mourned by many people in our country.”
© UK Press via Getty Images“To Queen Sonja, my family and I extend our deepest condolences today,” he added.
The Swedish monarch also looked ahead to the reign of Harald’s son and successor, King Haakon, who is his godson.
“I wish my dear godson Haakon, who now succeeds his father as King of Norway, every happiness and success in his future duties to our neighboring country and its people.”
Royal Families Across Europe Pay Tribute
The tributes quickly spread beyond Scandinavia as royal families across Europe remembered King Harald and offered their condolences to his family.
Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia expressed their “respect and admiration” for the late monarch, describing him as “an example of responsibility, dignity, humility and tireless dedication in the service of Norway.” They sent their condolences “with fraternal affection” to the Norwegian Royal Family.
© AFP via Getty ImagesKing Charles III also mourned the loss of his “dear cousin,” remembering Harald as “a much-loved relative and friend, whose kindness, compassion and profound sense of duty resonated across the sea and throughout the decades.”
King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark offered their support to the new King Haakon while remembering his father in distinctly personal terms, describing Harald as “a good human being, with a twinkle in his eye and a big heart.”
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands recalled their “special friendship” with Harald and the unforgettable moments they shared with him. Their farewell was simple: “Thank you for everything.”
© WireImageKing Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium remembered Harald as “a beacon of stability for his country,” while Prince Albert II of Monaco looked back fondly on “the wonderful moments we shared.”
Luxembourg’s Grand Duke and Grand Duchess also paid tribute, praising Harald’s “extraordinary strength, determination and resilience.”
Together, the messages painted a portrait of a king remembered not only for the length of his reign or his devotion to the crown, but also for the warmth, humor and humanity he brought to the role. It was a legacy summed up by the motto King Harald carried throughout his reign: "All for Norway."
