The King said he and Queen Camilla learned of Harald’s death with “the most profound sadness”, praising his cousin’s 35 years of “unwavering dedication” to the Norwegian people.
In a message of condolence, King Charles remembered King Harald as a “much-loved kinsman and friend” whose kindness, compassion and sense of duty had endured across decades.
“It is with the most profound sadness that my wife and I have learned of the death of my dear cousin, King Harald V of Norway,” the King said.
“For thirty-five years, King Harald served his people with unwavering dedication, guiding Norway through times of great change with warmth and humility.”
King Charles reflected on the close relationship between the British and Norwegian Royal Families, as well as the longstanding ties between the two nations.
“As Norway mourns the loss of so towering a figure, my whole family join in remembering a much-loved kinsman and friend whose kindness, compassion and deep sense of duty echoed from across the sea and across the decades,” he said.
The King also highlighted the historic relationship between Britain and Norway.
“The United Kingdom and Norway share particularly close historical and family ties, with Britain one of the first countries to recognise Norwegian independence and establish diplomatic relations in 1905,” Charles said.
“These special bonds were even further strengthened during the dreadful trials of the Second World War and help to bind our two countries together.”
The Norwegian Royal Family has maintained close links with the British monarchy for generations, with the families connected through both marriage and their shared royal heritage.
King Charles concluded his message by offering his condolences to Queen Sonja and the rest of the Norwegian Royal Family.
“The Queen and I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Queen Sonja and all her family, as Britain shares in Norway’s grief at this time of such heartbreaking loss,” he said.
The message was signed simply “Charles R”.
King Harald died after a period of serious ill health which saw him remain in hospital in Oslo.
His death brings to an end a 35-year reign which began in 1991, following the death of his father, King Olav V.
He is succeeded by his son, who is now King Haakon VIII.
