Norway’s King Harald V Dies at 89 After More Than 35 Years on the Throne

King Harald V of Norway has died at the age of 89, bringing an end to a more than three-decade reign that made him one of Europe’s longest-serving and most popular monarchs.

The Norwegian Royal Palace announced that the King died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026.

Harald had been receiving treatment at the hospital since August 17 after being diagnosed with haemolytic anaemia, a condition involving the rapid destruction of red blood cells.

His condition later deteriorated after he developed a bacterial infection in his bloodstream. The palace announced on Thursday that his condition had become extremely serious.

Harald became King of Norway in 1991, following the death of his father, King Olav V.

During his more than 35 years on the throne, Harald became known for his approachable personality and efforts to modernise the Norwegian monarchy. He was also widely respected for his emphasis on tolerance, inclusion and national unity.

He was also an accomplished sailor and represented Norway at several Olympic Games before becoming king.

Following Harald’s death, his son, Crown Prince Haakon, automatically succeeded him as monarch. Haakon is now King of Norway, marking a new chapter for the country’s royal family.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre described the country as being in mourning, saying Harald had dedicated his life to serving Norway and had helped unite the nation during some of its most difficult moments.

Flags at the Royal Palace in Oslo were lowered to half-mast as Norwegians gathered to pay tribute to the late monarch.

King Harald V leaves behind a legacy of more than three decades of service, and his death marks the end of an era for Norway’s modern monarchy.