His Serene Highness Prince Albert II has written to King Haakon VIII of Norway to offer his condolences following the death of King Harald V, who died on Friday, August 28, at the age of 89, at the National Hospital in Oslo.

In his letter, Prince Albert said he and Princess Charlène had learned of King Harald’s passing with profound sadness, describing him as a monarch who devoted himself throughout his reign to the service of Norway and its people. He said the late King left behind a remarkable legacy shaped by humanity, commitment and a strong sense of duty, earning the respect and affection of all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Prince Albert singled out King Harald’s dedication to environmental protection, along with his commitment to the Olympic values of sport, inclusion, cultural diversity and human rights, values he said reflected the late King’s deep humanity and would remain an important part of his legacy. He added that he remembered fondly the moments they had shared together over the years.

On behalf of his family and the people of Monaco, Prince Albert extended his sincerest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to King Haakon VIII and the Norwegian royal family, expressing confidence that the new King, drawing on his own years of service to Norway, would carry forward his father’s work with the same dignity and dedication.

King Harald, Europe’s oldest reigning monarch at the time of his death, spent part of his childhood in exile in the United States after fleeing the Nazi occupation of Norway as a young child, before returning to become one of the most popular monarchs in his country’s modern history.

He acceded to the throne in January 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V, and went on to reign for more than three decades, becoming known for his efforts to modernise the Norwegian monarchy. He is remembered in particular for an emotional address delivered at a memorial service following the 2011 terrorist attacks carried out by Anders Behring Breivik, in which he spoke of his unwavering belief in freedom, democracy and Norway’s ability to remain an open and safe society.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the nation was in mourning, describing King Harald as a monarch whose unwavering faith in the Norwegian people helped citizens see the best in themselves and in one another throughout his reign.

King Harald is succeeded by his son, King Haakon VIII, who automatically assumed the throne following his father’s death.