Lithuania's leaders offer condolences over death of Norway's King Harald V
Lithuania's president and prime minister have expressed condolences to Norway's royal family following the death of King Harald V at age 89. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, has succeeded him after a 35-year reign.
Norway's King Harald V died on Friday at the age of 89, bringing an end to a 35-year reign. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, has now taken the throne as the country's new monarch.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda issued a statement extending heartfelt condolences to Crown Prince Haakon, the royal family and the people of Norway, speaking both personally and on behalf of Lithuania's citizens. He said Lithuania would remember Harald as a monarch who helped strengthen friendship between the two nations, advanced bilateral relations, and supported Lithuania's freedom and independence.
The Lithuanian presidency noted that Harald's visits to Lithuania — both following the restoration of independence and after the country joined the European Union and NATO — reflected the depth of the relationship between the two nations and their peoples. Nausėda also recalled a warm personal encounter with Harald and Queen Sonja during his own visit to Norway in 2023, adding that Lithuania stands with Norway's people during this time of loss.
Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius likewise offered condolences on behalf of Lithuania's government and citizens, pointing to Harald's more than three decades of dedicated service to Norway. He said the king's wisdom, dignity and commitment to his country would be remembered with great respect.
Harald ascended to the throne in 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V. He was widely seen as a popular monarch who helped modernise and open up Norway's royal institution.
