- King Harald V of Norway has died at the age of 89, the palace in Oslo has announced, triggering the succession of his son, Haakon, whose wife Mette-Marit’s association with Jeffrey Epstein has sparked fierce recent controversy.
- The palace stated, King Harald passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday, August 28 at 6.35 am.
- On Thursday, the palace announced that Harald’s health had deteriorated and that he was in an 'extremely serious' condition.
- Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed national mourning, stating, “A whole nation is in mourning, and the people of Norway are left with a deep sense of gratitude for a long life in the service of Norway.”
- King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden offered condolences, wishing Haakon success as he succeeds his father as head of state.
- The succession is overshadowed by controversy over Mette-Marit's past association with Jeffrey Epstein.
- Harald, Norway’s ceremonial head of state since 1991, was Europe’s oldest reigning monarch and had been treated in Oslo’s University hospital since 17 August for haemolytic anaemia.
- The king had suffered numerous health problems, including an operation for bladder cancer in 2003 and a pacemaker fitted in 2024.
- Mette-Marit has faced public criticism over her past association with Jeffrey Epstein, with Prime Minister Støre accusing her of 'poor judgment'.
- Mette-Marit expressed her deepest regret for her friendship with Epstein and apologized for the situation she has put the royal family in.
- Public support for Norway’s monarchy has suffered due to the crown princess’s latest scandals, with a February poll showing support down to 54% from 72% in 2024.
King Harald V of Norway passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on August 28, at the age of 89. Harald, who had been the ceremonial head of state since 1991, was Europe’s oldest reigning monarch. His health had been declining, with recent treatments for haemolytic anaemia.17
Following his death, his son, Crown Prince Haakon, ascends the throne amid controversy surrounding his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit. Recent documents revealed her past associations with Jeffrey Epstein, leading to public outcry and criticism from Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who described her actions as “poor judgment.”
Støre expressed the nation’s grief, stating, “A whole nation is in mourning, and the people of Norway are left with a deep sense of gratitude for a long life in the service of Norway.” King Harald had previously undergone significant health challenges, including bladder cancer surgery and a pacemaker installation, yet he remained committed to his role, never considering abdication.
The transition to King Haakon comes with the weight of public scrutiny, as the revelations about Mette-Marit have sparked fierce debate in Norway, complicating the royal family's image during this period of mourning.
“The palace had announced Thursday that Harald's health was 'extremely serious', prompting Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon to cancel engagements. Prime Minister Støre called for national mourning, while a February poll showed support for the monarchy down to 54% from 72% in 2024.”
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