Erling Holand, the best scorer in the history of the Norwegian national football team, paid tribute to King Harald V on August 28, expressing gratitude for his contributions to Norway.
The Norwegian monarch died that same day at the age of 89 at University Hospital in Oslo after a serious bacterial infection of the bloodstream. His condition had deteriorated significantly in recent days.
In an Instagram post, Holand wrote: “Rest in peace, King Harald. Thank you for everything you have meant to Norway. It was an honor to meet you.”
On August 28, the royal court announced that Haakon, son of the late king, ascended to the throne as Haakon VIII. The new monarch chose to preserve his father’s family motto: “Everything for Norway.”
The Norwegian government later declared national mourning until the day of King Harald V’s state funeral.
