28/08/2026
Norway is in mourning 🇳🇴🖤
King Harald has passed away.
Years ago, when I was learning Norwegian, one of my assignments was to write about why I believed a monarchy could be better than a republic.
One of the reasons I gave back then was quite practical: a king can often open doors that politicians may find more difficult to access. He can more easily secure meetings with some of the world’s most influential people, helping promote Norway and Norwegian businesses on the international stage.
Today, however, I would add a much more important reason. A respected and dignified king can unite a nation in a way that a president perhaps never truly can. 🤗
After Queen Elizabeth II passed away, I heard several of my English friends say: it felt as though their own grandmother had died.
There is little doubt that many Norwegians — and friends of Norway around the world — are feeling something very similar today.
King Harald was, in his own way, the grandfather of the Norwegian people 🇳🇴❤️
Not simply a head of state, but a human presence through joyful moments and difficult times alike. Someone respected across political views and generations, and someone who managed to be both royal and deeply human.
He was one of the most loved and respected people in Norway.
And perhaps today, more than ever, we understand what a monarchy can mean to a country.
Takk for alt, Kong Harald 🇳🇴🖤
