King Harald V of Norway Dies at 89

King Harald V of Norway. (Photo: Sámediggi – Sametinget / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.)

King Harald V of Norway died on August 28, 2026, at the age of 89, bringing to a close more than three decades on the Norwegian throne.

According to the Norwegian Royal Court, King Harald V died at Oslo University Hospital (Rikshospitalet). He became king in 1991, following the death of his father, King Olav V.

During his more than three decades on the throne, King Harald V served as Norway’s head of state under its constitutional monarchy. He was widely known for his close connection with the Norwegian people and for emphasizing national unity and shared values.

Following King Harald V’s death, his son, Crown Prince Haakon, succeeded him and became King Haakon VIII. On September 1, 2026, the new king swore an oath before the Norwegian Parliament, pledging loyalty to the Constitution and the laws of the country.

The succession took place under Norway’s constitutional monarchy and did not involve a coronation ceremony. King Haakon VIII assumed the throne at a significant moment for the Royal Family and the country, as Norwegians continued to mourn the late king.

In recent days, people in Oslo and across Norway have laid flowers and paid tribute to King Harald V. His coffin was taken to the chapel at the Royal Palace in Oslo, where members of the public have been able to pay their respects ahead of the funeral, scheduled for September 9.

The death of King Harald V marks the end of more than three decades of modern Norwegian history under his reign and opens a new chapter under King Haakon VIII.

Photo: Sámediggi – Sametinget / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.)

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