The Japan Times - Europe's monarchs, world leaders mourn Norway's King Harald

Harald was the continent's oldest reigning monarch. His son Haakon automatically succeeded him to the throne.

Here are some of the main tributes:

- Britain's King Charles -

Calling Harald his "dear cousin", Britain's King Charles III said his fellow monarch had served "with unwavering dedication, guiding Norway through times of great change with warmth and humility".

"As Norway mourns the loss of so towering a figure, my whole family join in remembering a much-loved kinsman and friend whose kindness, compassion and deep sense of duty echoed from across the sea and across the decades," the king said in a statement, personally signed Charles R.

- Danish and Swedish monarchs -

The kings of Denmark and Sweden called Harald an "extraordinary" leader and good friend who unified his country.

"Both as head of state and a successful athlete, he was an outstanding representative of his country. He gave 'All for Norway'," Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf said, referring to Harald's royal motto.

Denmark's King Frederik X said the late monarch was "an extraordinary man" who "joined duty and responsibility with presence and compassion".

- Dutch royal family -

The royal family of the Netherlands recalled "unforgettable" journeys with King Harald around Oslo and the rest of Norway. "We cherish the memory of our special friendship with him in our hearts. King Harald served his country with love, pride, and conviction," said the family in a statement.

- Belgian royals -

Harald's "humour, humanity and sincerity made him a truly special man", Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde said.

"Generations of Norwegians grew up with him. For decades, he was a familiar and reassuring presence, a beacon of stability for his country. He fulfilled his role with unwavering dedication, loyalty and dignity," they said in a statement.

- Spain's royal family -

Spain's royal family hailed King Harald as an "example of responsibility, dignity, simplicity, and tireless dedication to the service" of his country.

"With respect and admiration for him, as well as deep sadness, we offer our condolences" on the king's death, they wrote on social media.

- NATO, EU chiefs -

Harald "showed himself to be a dedicated leader," posted Mark Rutte, head of the NATO alliance that includes Norway.

"His own military roots made him a champion of the Norwegian military and a long-time friend of NATO," he wrote online.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said that Harald "served his country with warmth, humility and an unwavering sense of duty."

- French president -

Harald "worked tirelessly throughout his reign to strengthen the ties uniting Norway and France", French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X, recalling a "warm welcome" on his visit to Oslo in June 2025.

- Italy PM -

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in a post on X, called Harald: "A monarch who served his nation with equanimity, authority and a deep sense of institutional duty, helping to strengthen the ties between Norway and Italy throughout his long reign."

- Israeli president -

Israeli President Isaac Herzog hailed the "loyalty and devotion" of Harald, who early in his reign supported the landmark Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestinians.

- Swiss president -

The Swiss president Guy Parmelin wrote on X that Harald "will be remembered for his steadfast leadership and devoted service to his country."

burs-st/

S.Yamada--JT