King Harald V of Norway died at the age of 89 while hospitalized in Oslo. He was the dean of European monarchs, having reigned for more than three decades. His death marks the end of a long reign that began in 1991, after the death of his father, King Olav V.
Harald V leaves a complex legacy, marked both by his role as a figure of stability in the Norwegian monarchy and by controversies that emerged in recent years. The Epstein files, which contain records of contacts with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, have been associated with members of the Norwegian royal family, overshadowing the period leading up to his death.
The succession to the Norwegian throne now falls on Crown Prince Haakon, who is expected to assume the throne. The transition process has been accompanied by great media attention, both due to the institutional relevance of the monarchy in Norway and the scandals that have affected the image of the royal family.
King Harald V's death represents the end of an era for the Norwegian monarchy and for the European monarchical landscape. During his reign, he managed to maintain the popularity of the monarchical institution in Norway, although recent years have been marked by questions about the transparency and scrutiny of the royal family.
