New York, NY—The American-Scandinavian Foundation mourns the passing of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway on Friday, August 28 in Oslo.
A steadfast supporter of the cultural ties between Norway and the United States and a longtime Patron of ASF, King Harald has been a valued presence in the life of the Foundation long before his accession to the throne. Born on February 21, 1937 at Skaugum in Asker, the son of the then-Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Märtha and the grandson of King Haakon VII, King Harald V made his first official overseas visit to the United States as Crown Prince in 1960 in connection with ASF’s 50th Anniversary. Over the following decades, he remained an important supporter of the Foundation’s mission to strengthen understanding between the Nordic countries and the United States.
King Harald became a Patron of ASF in 1991, shortly after his accession to the throne following the passing of his father, King Olav V. ASF was particularly grateful for His Majesty King Harald’s attendance at the Foundation’s Centennial celebrations in New York in 2011, including ASF’s Centennial Ball on October 21 at New York’s Hilton Hotel and the opening of the exhibition Luminous Modernism: Scandinavian Art Comes to America, 1912, at which he was an honored guest alongside Queen Sonja. ASF was also honored by the presence of King Harald and Queen Sonja at its annual Galas in 2002 and 2005, the latter of which celebrated Norway’s Centennial.
“The American-Scandinavian Foundation joins the people of Norway and the Norwegian American community in mourning the loss of His Majesty King Harald V,” said Charlie Kunzer, ASF’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are deeply grateful for his longstanding kindness and support of the Foundation, and his commitment to the enduring friendship between Norway and the United States.”
The American-Scandinavian Foundation extends its deepest condolences to Her Majesty Queen Sonja, King Haakon VIII, the Royal Family, and the people of Norway.
Image—His Majesty King Harald V of Norway—Photo by Kimm Saatvedt/The Royal Court