# King Harald V of Norway Dies at 89 – Europe Last Sovereign to Experience WWII
*Cover: Corriere della Sera*
Norway King Harald V has died at 88, ending a reign that began in 1991. He was the last European monarch to have lived through the Second World War as a child – when German tanks crossed the border in April 1940, he was in his third year of life. His father, the future King Olav V, went to London with the government in exile; his mother took the three young princes to Sweden and then to Washington, to ensure the continuation of the royal line.
King Charles sent a message: “It is with the deepest sadness that I learn of the death of my dear cousin, King Harald V of Norway. Our family joins in the remembrance of a man whose sense of duty and good heart have resonated internationally.” The flag over Windsor Castle was flown at half-mast.
Premier Meloni expressed “the deepest condolences.” When the news broke, Crown Prince Haakon – now King Haakon VIII – was at his fathers bedside. Flowers and candles filled the square in front of the Royal Palace in Oslo. Princess Ingrid Alexandra, the next in line, announced she will return to Oslo from Sydney. Source: [Corriere della Sera](https://www.corriere.it/esteri/26_agosto_28/morto-re-harald-norvegia-d5d21908-8875-4d2e-a76b-eaa1aa27dxlk.shtml)