Norway's King Harald V dies peacefully at 89; son Crown Prince Haakon succeeds him as King Haakon VIII

Norway's King Harald V, who passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on August 28, was a beloved monarch who served for 35 years. The Royal House of Norway confirmed his death at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet at 6:35 AM.¹²⁵⁶

Harald, who was Europe's oldest living monarch, had been hospitalized since August 17 due to a blood infection. He had previously received a pacemaker after falling ill during a vacation in Malaysia in 2024. His reign began in 1991, making him Norway's first royal heir born in the country in over 500 years.⁴

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed the nation's grief, stating, “a whole nation is in mourning” and that the people of Norway are left with “a deep sense of gratitude for a long life in the service of Norway.” The government has declared a national period of mourning, with crowds gathering outside the royal palace to pay their respects.

Harald is succeeded by his son, Crown Prince Haakon, who will take the name King Haakon VIII. Harald leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Queen Sonja, two children, and five grandchildren, including his granddaughter Ingrid Alexandra, who now becomes heir to the throne.³

Harald was known for modernizing the royal house and advocating for openness among European royals. He famously stated, “If you've opened the gate it's very difficult to close it again.” His legacy includes a commitment to the Norwegian people and a deep connection to his country's history, having fled to the U.S. during World War II.

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King Harald V of Norway has died aged 89

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Norway's King Harald V has died at the age of 89 | BBC News