Norway mourns king Harald’s passing, remembering a warm and authentic leader
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Across Norway, people are expressing their grief following the death of King Harald, describing him as kind, warm, wise, and like a grandfather.
NRK received over 2400 condolences through its online protocol, filled with praise for the late king and memories of personal encounters. The words “good,” “warm,” “wise,” and “grandfather” appeared frequently, 398, 257, 104, and 147 times respectively, in the messages left by the public.
People wrote tributes in town halls, churches, embassies, on handwritten cards, and on social media, each contributing to a collective portrait of the king and his impact. Many recalled King Harald’s authenticity, noting his ability to connect with individuals and his forward-thinking vision. 102-year-old Karen Hellberg, a longtime resident of Bærum, remembered seeing the then-prince Harald return from exile with the royal family after World War II in 1945, and recalled his steadfast demeanor even as a young boy.
She also fondly remembered the joy surrounding his birth and marriage to Queen Sonja, noting how he seemed to blossom after finding love.
Beyond specific moments, many highlighted King Harald’s inclusive and accepting nature, particularly his famous 2016 speech in which he declared, “Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who love boys, and girls and boys who love each other.” Numerous condolences expressed gratitude for his warmth, humor, and dedication to the country, with the word “thank you” appearing 1374 times in the messages received by NRK.
King Harald is remembered as a king for all the people, leaving a legacy of kindness and inclusivity.
