King Harald’s story crossed paths with our own work in 2023. Our team had been reviewing news photographs of the king over the years. We noticed a mole on his right cheek that seemed to have grown.
One of our dermatologists looked at those photos and offered a professional opinion. It was likely a harmless sun spot, but a more concerning growth called lentigo maligna couldn’t be ruled out without an in person exam. We reached out to the Royal Palace to encourage the king to get it checked. Later, we sent a dermatoscope so he could track any changes himself.
His passing this week was linked to a rare blood condition, haemolytic anaemia.
Harald was only three when Norway was invaded during the Second World War. He spent part of his childhood in exile before coming home. Years later, he waited nine years to marry Sonja Haraldsen, a commoner. His father only agreed once Harald made clear he would stay unmarried otherwise. That choice opened the door for his own children to marry commoners too.
He spent much of his life outdoors, sailing in particular. He represented Norway at three Olympic Games and won medals at world and European championships. He later helped lead the Norwegian branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature.
He will be remembered for many things. For modernizing the monarchy. For marrying for love. For standing by his country through hard moments, including the 2011 Utøya attacks. But what people keep coming back to this week isn’t the crown. It’s the way he cried in public when the moment called for it, and never seemed to mind that people saw.
Rest in peace, King Harald. Our condolences go out to Queen Sonja, King Haakon and the entire Norwegian royal family.
