STAVANGER, Norway (AP) — King Harald V of Norway, who experienced exile in the United States as a child during the Nazi occupation and famously chose love over arranging a marriage with European nobility, passed away on Friday at the age of 89. The announcement of his death was made by the palace, stating he died at the National Hospital in Oslo at 6:35 a.m.

King Harald was Europe’s oldest reigning monarch and was known for modernizing the Norwegian royal house while maintaining a traditional role. Unlike many aging monarchs who opted for abdication in recent times, he continued to serve until his last breath, paving the way for his son, King Haakon VIII, to ascend the throne.

The monarchy in Norway, as in other European countries, fulfills a largely symbolic role, with real political power residing in an elected parliament. Harald was crowned king following the death of his father, King Olav V, in January 1991, during a time when Norway was experiencing an economic boom fueled by oil and gas.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed the nation’s sorrow, stating, “A whole nation is in mourning and the people of Norway are left with a deep sense of gratitude for a long life in the service of Norway.” He emphasized that Harald’s unwavering faith in the Norwegian people helped them see the best in themselves.

Born in 1937 in Asker, Norway, Harald became the first Norwegian prince to be born in the country since 1370. His early years were significantly influenced by World War II. At just three years old, he fled with his mother and sisters to the United States to avoid capture by Nazis, while his father and grandfather joined the government in exile in Britain.

During their time in the U.S., King Harald and his family were often guests at the White House. By age six, he undertook his first official duty, christening warplanes at a Norwegian air base in Canada. The family returned to Norway in June 1945, soon after the conclusion of the war.

Harald pursued his education in public schools, attended a military college, and studied at Oxford University. A skilled sailor like his father, he represented Norway in several Olympic Games and captained his yacht to a gold medal in the World Championships in 1987.

When it came to matters of the heart, Harald was urged to seek a noble bride, but he waited nine years to marry Sonja Haraldsen, a commoner from a business family. Despite reservations from his father about the potential impact on the monarchy, their wedding on August 29, 1968, was celebrated across the nation. They had two children, Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Märtha Louise.

In 1990, Norway’s Constitution was amended to allow the firstborn, regardless of gender, to inherit the throne, although Haakon remained first in line. When Harald ascended the throne on January 21, 1991, he adopted the motto of his predecessors: “All for Norway,” and focused on modernizing the monarchy.

King Harald garnered national respect during his reign, particularly following the tragic events of July 2011, when a right-wing extremist killed 77 people in Norway. His heartfelt address at the memorial service emphasized faith in freedom and democracy, resonating deeply with the public.

In a 2016 speech, he voiced strong support for LGBTQ+ rights and tolerance regarding different religions, celebrating the diversity of Norwegian society. This speech sparked widespread appreciation and discussion on social media.

In recent times, the royal family faced scrutiny due to scandals, particularly concerning Harald's daughter-in-law, now-Queen Mette-Marit, who was questioned about her past associations with the late Jeffrey Epstein. While she faced criticism, she apologized for putting the royal family in a difficult position. At the same time, her son, Marius Borg Høiby, was convicted of a serious crime and sentenced to prison.

Harald’s daughter, Princess Märtha Louise, voluntarily relinquished her royal duties after raising eyebrows with her claims of communicating with angels and her engagement to an American shaman.

In early 2024, following the abdication of Denmark’s Queen Margrethe, Harald reiterated his commitment to his lifelong oath as king. However, health concerns arose when he was hospitalized on two occasions during foreign trips due to complications, including a pacemaker fitting and an infection.