King Harald of Norway has revealed his thoughts on abdicating.
The King of Norway reiterated his stance that he would not abdicate in favour of his son, Crown Prince Haakon, and would remain on the throne until his death.
King Harald has said in the past he would not abdicate, but after the shocking abdication announcement from Queen Margrethe of Denmark, many wondered if the Norwegian monarch would change his mind. Queen Margrethe had also insisted for years that she would not abdicate, but more recent health issues led to her decision to step down in favour of her son, Frederik.
In his first public appearance since Queen Margrethe abdicated on 14 January, Harald told the Norwegian press on 23 January: “I stand by what I have always said, namely that I took an oath before the Norwegian parliament and that it remains valid for life.”
The 86-year-old monarch has not been in good health over the past few years. He has had a heart procedure and illness has forced him to step away from his duties several times.
The King became King of Norway upon the death of his father, King Olav, in January 1991.
King Harald will turn 87 on 21 February. He is the oldest monarch in Europe.
Be the first to comment on "King Harald of Norway reveals his thoughts on abdicating"