Hundreds of Norwegians gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo on Tuesday evening, laying flowers and lighting candles in a show of support for King Harald V, whose health has deteriorated in recent days. The 87-year-old monarch, Europe's oldest reigning sovereign, has been hospitalized, and the palace has confirmed that his condition is serious.
The spontaneous vigil drew a diverse crowd, from elderly citizens who remember the king's wartime childhood to young families with children. Many held Norwegian flags and handwritten messages wishing the king a speedy recovery. "He has been a constant for us, through good times and bad," said Ingrid Larsen, a 54-year-old teacher from Bærum, just outside Oslo. "We wanted to show him that he is not alone."
A reign marked by resilience
King Harald ascended to the throne in January 1991, following the death of his father, King Olav V. His reign has spanned over three decades, during which he has become a unifying figure in Norwegian society. He has navigated the country through national tragedies, including the 2011 Utøya attacks, and has been a vocal advocate for diversity and tolerance.
In recent years, the king has faced a series of health challenges. He underwent heart surgery in 2020 and has been hospitalized several times since. In December 2023, he was admitted to a hospital in Oslo with a respiratory infection, and in February 2024, he was hospitalized in Malaysia during a private trip, later receiving a pacemaker. His latest hospitalization, announced by the palace on Monday, has raised concerns about the continuity of the monarchy.
The royal household has not released detailed information about the king's current condition, but a statement said he is under medical care and that Crown Prince Haakon is prepared to assume the duties of head of state if necessary. The crown prince has already stepped in for his father on several occasions, including representing Norway at official events abroad.
The vigil in Oslo is a reflection of the deep affection Norwegians hold for their monarch. Unlike many other European royal families, the Norwegian monarchy enjoys broad public support, with polls consistently showing approval ratings above 70 percent. King Harald's down-to-earth manner and his marriage to Queen Sonja, a commoner, have endeared him to many.
As the crowd sang the national anthem, "Ja, vi elsker dette landet," the mood was somber but hopeful. "He is a fighter," said Ole Kristian Dahl, a 32-year-old engineer from Drammen. "If anyone can pull through, it's him."
The situation has also drawn attention across Europe, where several other monarchies are watching closely. In neighboring Sweden, King Carl XVI Gustaf, who is also in his late 80s, has faced similar health issues. The palace's latest update has been met with concern from other European heads of state, who have sent messages of support.
Should King Harald be unable to continue his duties, Crown Prince Haakon would ascend to the throne. The 50-year-old prince has been groomed for the role for decades and is seen as a modern, progressive figure. However, a transition would mark the end of an era for Norway, which has not seen a new monarch in over 30 years.
For now, the focus remains on the king's recovery. The palace has asked for privacy, but the public's outpouring of support shows that King Harald's legacy is secure, regardless of what the coming days bring. As one mourner at the palace gates put it, "He is not just a king; he is part of our family."
