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The Danish Royal Family have offered their condolences and support to King Haakon VIII following the passing of his father, King Harald V.
King Harald V's death
Norway's monarch passed away at the age of 89 on Friday, August 28, at around 06:35 local time at the national hospital in Oslo.
Addressed to "His Majesty King Haakon VIII", the official letter signed by King Frederick X and Queen Mary read, "It is with great sorrow that we have learned about the death of your father, His Majesty King Harald. We send our warmest thoughts and condolences to Aunt Sonja, to you and Mette-Marit, and to your family."
"Your father meant a great deal to my mother and both of us. With his warm and dry sense of humour and unwavering calm, Uncle Harald made others feel comfortable and at ease in his presence. He was an extraordinary man, with a twinkle in his eye and a big heart."
Familial ties between King Frederick X and King Harald V
King Frederick X of Denmark and King Harald V of Norway are third cousins, as both the monarchs descend from King Christian IX of Denmark.
Harald was a second cousin to Frederik's mother, Queen Margrethe II, making the Danish monarch a third cousin to King Harald V.
The statement continued, "For 35 years, King Harald was a strong unifying figure for the Norwegian people. He joined duty and responsibility with presence and compassion. He was cherished like few others, and he will be missed by many."
"The bonds between Denmark and Norway are strong. For generations, our families and our countries have been closely tied. Your father will stand as a symbol of that which binds us together."
Addressing King Haakon's accession, the statement noted, "You now step into your role as king. It is one that we know you will bear with the same honour and dignity as your father. May faith, hope, and love follow you and give you strength on your journey."
King Harald V passed away at the age of 89 and is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Queen Sonja, their daughter Princess Märtha Louise, their son, the new King Haakon, and six grandchildren.
Born on February 21, 1937, Harald was the King for 35 years, ascending to the throne when his father, King Olav, died in January 1991.
