U.N. General Assembly Pauses to Honor Norway's King Harald V

The United Nations General Assembly stopped its work on Monday to remember King Harald V of Norway.

The tribute took place during the 3rd plenary meeting of the Assembly's 81st session in New York. Khalilur Rahman, the president of the session, led delegates in a moment of silence and offered condolences to the Norwegian royal family and the people of Norway.

The king died on Aug. 26. He had been hospitalized with hemolytic anemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them, followed by a bacterial infection in the blood, according to Town & Country.

Rahman said Harald reigned with openness and a deep appreciation for humanity in all its diversity. The U.N.'s official meeting record says the king consistently used his voice to promote tolerance, inclusion and respect for human dignity, according to U.N. Meetings Coverage.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres did not attend in person. His tribute was read aloud by his chief of staff. Guterres had met the king at the Royal Palace in Oslo in 2018.

Speakers from across the membership took part. Representatives spoke on behalf of African states, Asia-Pacific states, Latin American and Caribbean states, and Western European states.

The U.N. tribute came five days after Norway buried its king. His state funeral was held at Oslo Cathedral on Sept. 9. Dozens of European royals attended, according to Reuters.

Norway began the funeral service with a minute of silence. The procession and funeral closed 13 days of national mourning, according to DW.

Harald ruled Norway for more than 34 years. He took the throne in 1991 after the death of his father, King Olav V. His son now reigns as King Haakon VIII.