King Harald V of Norway died on August 28 at the age of 89 at the National Hospital in Oslo. A week before his death, he was hospitalized for treatment of a rare blood disorder — hemolytic anemia.
According to BBC, Harald V was admitted to hospital on August 17. Due to his health condition, his son, Crown Prince Haakon, temporarily took over his duties. The king was treated with cortisone for hemolytic anemia, a condition that reduces the number of red blood cells in the body.
Members of the royal family visited the king in hospital during the final 24 hours before his death. He died at 06:35 local time.
Harald V was born on February 21, 1937, near Oslo. He ascended the throne on January 17, 1991, following the death of his father, King Olav V, and ruled Norway for 35 years. Harald was the first Norwegian king since the 14th century to be born in the country. He will be succeeded by his son Haakon.
He is survived by his wife, Sonja, daughter Märtha Louise, son Haakon and six grandchildren.
