Dutch Royals "deeply saddened" by Norwegian King Harald V's death

King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima, and Princess Beatrix are “deeply saddened” to learn about the passing of King Harald V of Norway, the Dutch royals said in a joint statement. The Norwegian King died on Friday at the age of 89.

“It is with deep grief that we announce that His Majesty King Harald has passed away. King Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet Friday, 28 August, at 6:35 AM,” the Norwegian Royal Court said on its website.

The Dutch royals expressed their condolences to Queen Sonja, the rest of the Norwegian royal family, and the people of Norway. “King Harald served his country with love, pride, and dedication,” the Dutch Royals said, adding that he “will be remembered for his capacity for friendship and bringing people together.”

“We will always carry the memory of our special friendship with him in our hearts,” said Willem-Alexander, Máxima, and Beatrix. “The times we spent together exploring Oslo and further north were truly unforgettable. We are thankful, too, for how he embraced the Netherlands and the Dutch people.”

Prime Minister Rob Jetten also expressed his condolences, on behalf of the Dutch Cabinet. "The death of His Majesty King Harald V is a great loss for Norway. For more than 35 years, he has served the country in a loving manner," Jetten wrote on X. "He will be remembered as a monarch with a deep commitment to the Norwegian people, who always sought connection and moved with the spirit of the times. In the Netherlands, the warm bond with our country and the special friendship with our Royal Family are a cherished memory."