Grand Duchess Maria breaks her silence after tributes from royal houses

The passing of King Harald V has prompted another royal tribute, this time from the head of the Russian Imperial House, Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna of Russia.

In an official statement, Grand Duchess Maria, together with her son and heir, Grand Duke George of Russia, and his wife, Princess Victoria Romanovna, expressed their sorrow following Harald’s death on August 28.

The statement extended condolences to King Haakon VIII, the Norwegian Royal Family and the people of Norway, while offering prayers for the late monarch.

The message comes as tributes continue to arrive from royal families and leaders across Europe following Harald’s death at the age of 89 after a 35-year reign. 

Norway’s Royal Palace confirmed that he died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday morning.

The House of Romanoff, which traces its history to Russia’s former imperial dynasty, continues to maintain ceremonial and familial links with European royal families.

King Charles described Harald as his “dear cousin”, while other reigning monarchs have also paid tribute to the Norwegian sovereign.