Norway’s King Harald V, Europe’s oldest reigning monarch, has died at the age of 89 after more than three decades on the throne.
The Royal Palace said Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35 a.m. on Friday, 28th August, 2026.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today,” the palace said.
Harald had been receiving medical care since 17th of August, 2026, after being diagnosed with haemolytic anaemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them.
His condition later worsened because of a bacterial infection in his blood.
The palace said his condition had become “extremely serious” shortly before his death, prompting members of his family to gather at his bedside.
The Norwegian flag at the Royal Palace in Oslo was later lowered to half-mast as mourners gathered to pay tribute.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the country was mourning while expressing gratitude for Harald’s long service.
“A whole nation is in mourning,” Støre said, adding that Harald had devoted his life to Norway.
Harald became king in 1991 after the death of his father, King Olav V.
He was known for his steady leadership and efforts to maintain a close relationship with the Norwegian people.
His death brings an end to one of Europe’s longest modern royal reigns.
His 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, has succeeded him as Norway’s new king.
Harald was born in 1937 and spent part of his childhood in exile in the United States during World War II.
He later became an Olympic sailor and married Sonja Haraldsen in 1968.
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