Leh, Ladakh, India - On learning of the passing of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway, His Holiness wrote to his son, King Haakon VIII, offering "my heartfelt condolences to Your Majesty, the Royal Family, and the people of Norway. I had the opportunity to meet His Majesty in Oslo in May 2000, and I deeply appreciated his warmth and hospitality on that occasion."
He wrote, "As Your Majesty may be aware, I have visited Norway several times, and was privileged to receive the Nobel Peace Prize from the Norwegian Nobel Committee. The government and people of Norway have been very kind to me and my fellow Tibetans, and your assistance and support for the Tibetan people's peaceful struggle for freedom and dignity are deeply appreciated."
He added that "His Majesty lived a meaningful life marked by a strong sense of service."
His Holiness concluded the condolence message with his prayers.
