Norway’s King Harald V, one of Europe’s longest-serving monarchs, has died at the age of 89 after more than 35 years on the throne.
The Norwegian Royal Palace said King Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35 a.m. on Friday, August 28.
The King had been hospitalized since August 17 after suffering from anaemia and later developing a bacterial infection in his bloodstream. His health had deteriorated in the days leading up to his death.
Harald’s death immediately triggered a change in the Norwegian monarchy, with his 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, automatically succeeding him as King Haakon VIII.
Haakon had already been serving as regent during periods when his father was unable to carry out his official duties because of his health.
More than three decades as king
Harald became King of Norway in January 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V. His reign lasted more than 35 years, making him one of Europe’s longest-serving heads of state.
During his time on the throne, Harald became known for a relatively modern and approachable style of monarchy. He frequently emphasized tolerance, inclusion and respect for differences, helping establish the Royal Family as a symbol of national unity.
He played a particularly significant role in bringing comfort to the country following the 2011 terrorist attacks carried out by Anders Behring Breivik, in which 77 people were killed.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the country was in mourning and expressed gratitude for the King’s decades of service.
Støre said Harald had helped bring out the best qualities in the Norwegian people and had served the country with dedication for more than three decades.
Tributes have also come from abroad. Britain’s King Charles III described Harald as a “beloved cousin” in a message following his death.
A king born in Norway
Harald was born on February 21, 1937, and was the only son of King Olav V.
He was the first Norwegian-born heir to the throne in almost 570 years, making his birth particularly significant in the history of Norway’s monarchy.
During the Second World War, after Nazi Germany invaded Norway, the young Harald and his mother fled the country and spent several years in the United States. His father remained involved with the Norwegian government-in-exile.
Harald later developed a lifelong passion for sailing. He represented Norway at three Olympic Games and won world championship titles in the sport.
Despite his advancing age and repeated health problems, Harald remained committed to his role as monarch and did not abdicate. He had previously indicated that his oath to Norway was a lifelong commitment.
Years of health problems
The King had experienced several serious health issues in recent years.
In 2024, he was hospitalized while on holiday in Malaysia after suffering from a low heart rate. He subsequently received a permanent pacemaker.
He also experienced several infections and periods of illness in the years that followed.
His final hospitalization began on August 17, when he was admitted for treatment. Although doctors initially reported that he was responding to treatment, his condition later became critical.
New era for the Norwegian monarchy
With Harald’s death, Norway enters a new era under his son.
King Haakon VIII, 53, now takes over the throne after having spent decades preparing for the role. His daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, becomes the heir apparent and is expected to take on an increasingly prominent role within the Royal Family.
Harald’s death also comes at a difficult time for the Norwegian monarchy, which has faced several controversies in recent years.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit has faced scrutiny over her past association with Jeffrey Epstein, while her son, Marius Borg Høiby, was convicted of rape and domestic violence and sentenced to four years in prison in June.
The controversies have affected public support for the monarchy. Support reportedly fell to 60 percent in February, before rising again to 64 percent in an NRK poll published in May.
Despite these challenges, Harald remained a widely respected national figure throughout his reign.
His death marks the end of an era for Norway and the beginning of the reign of King Haakon VIII.
