Norway is mourning the death of King Harald V, who died on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the age of 89.
The Norwegian Royal House confirmed that the monarch died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35 a.m. local time. The Norwegian government also officially announced his death.
Harald had served as Norway’s king since 1991, succeeding his father, King Olav V.
His death brings to an end more than three decades on the Norwegian throne during which he became one of Europe’s most recognisable and popular monarchs.
The monarch had been hospitalised earlier in August after developing a bacterial infection in his blood. His condition had subsequently been described as very serious before his death was announced.
Born in 1937, Harald experienced the Second World War as a child and spent part of his childhood outside Norway following Nazi Germany’s invasion of the country.
During his reign, he was known for a relatively informal and inclusive approach to the monarchy, while also serving as a symbolic figure of national unity during periods of tragedy and crisis.
Following his death, his 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, automatically succeeded him as Norway’s monarch and is expected to reign as King Haakon VIII.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre described Harald’s death as a moment of national mourning, praising his decades of service and his ability to unite Norwegians.
The Norwegian government has announced plans for an extraordinary meeting of the Council of State at the Royal Palace with the new king.