Norway’s King Harald V dies at 89; Haakon succeeds him
King Harald V died at Oslo University Hospital on August 28, 2026, after more than three decades as Norway’s monarch. His son has succeeded him as King Haakon VIII.
In short
- King Harald V died at Oslo University Hospital on August 28, 2026, after more than three decades as Norway’s monarch.
- His son has succeeded him as King Haakon VIII.
Norway’s King Harald V died at Oslo University Hospital on August 28, 2026, aged 89, the royal palace announced. His son has succeeded him as King Haakon VIII.
The palace said Harald died peacefully at 6:35 a.m. Flags were lowered to half-mast and churches were due to ring their bells as Norway marked the death of its ceremonial head of state. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the country was mourning and praised Harald’s decades of service.
Harald had reigned since 1991. The palace said on August 27 that his condition was extremely serious; he had been receiving treatment since August 17 for haemolytic anaemia, in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them.
The late king had experienced several health problems in recent years, including a pacemaker procedure in 2024, but repeatedly ruled out abdication. Before taking the throne, he studied at Oxford and represented Norway in sailing at three Olympic Games.
Haakon is expected to formally notify the government of his father’s death. The succession begins a new chapter for a monarchy that Harald sought to modernise during more than three decades on the throne.
