King Harald V dies at 89 as Haakon VIII takes Norwegian throne

Norway’s King Harald V has died aged 89 after a 35-year reign. Norway’s Royal House said he passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, at 6.35am on Friday, August 28, after 11 days in hospital. He had been treated for haemolytic anaemia before developing a bacterial infection in his bloodstream. Official pages of the Royal Court now carry the dates 1937–2026.

Readers in Spain may remember him from a winter stay on Tenerife in February of this year, when he was briefly treated at Hospiten Sur for a skin infection and dehydration before returning home to Norway.

Family gathered at Rikshospitalet

Close relatives gathered at Rikshospitalet after the Royal House announced on Thursday that the King’s condition had become “very serious”. Queen Sonja, Harald’s wife of almost 58 years, was at the hospital on Thursday, while Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit were also in attendance. Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Prince Sverre Magnus, Princess Martha Louise, Princess Astrid and other members of the family were also reported to have been at or around the hospital.

Flowers and notes began appearing outside the Royal Palace in Oslo as Norwegians waited anxiously for news of their much loved King. Royal officials have not published a minute-by-minute account of Harald’s final hours, but the gathering of so many members of his family reflected the seriousness of his condition.

From the Royal Court of Norway:

« It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of His Majesty King Harald today. King Harald passed away peacefully at the National Hospital on Friday, 28 August, at 6:35am. » https://t.co/YuUMUiR7ps pic.twitter.com/MKHrn2I56o

— Imperial Material ♚ (@implmaterial) August 28, 2026

What happens now for Norway

Norway is never without a king. Under the Constitution, Haakon automatically became monarch at the moment of his father’s death. He has taken the regnal name King Haakon VIII. Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, is now first in line to the Norwegian throne, followed by her younger brother, Prince Sverre Magnus. Princess Martha Louise is next in the line of succession.

An extraordinary Council of State is expected at the Royal Palace, while flags will be lowered to half-mast and arrangements for a state funeral will follow. Day-to-day politics will not change as Norway is a constitutional monarchy and the King’s role is largely ceremonial. Haakon has already chaired the Council of State during his father’s periods of ill health, meaning he is familiar with the constitutional duties of the monarch.

Why so many Norwegians felt Harald was “one of us”

Harald was born at Skaugum on February 21, 1937, the first prince born in Norway for 567 years. As a small boy, he fled the German occupation with his mother and sisters in 1940 and spent part of the war years in the United States. He returned to Norway in 1945, following the end of the German occupation.

Harald is said to have fought for nine years to marry Sonja Haraldsen, a commoner from Oslo. King Olav eventually gave his approval and the couple married on August 29, 1968. Their marriage helped give the Norwegian monarchy a more modern and relatable image and paved the way for later royal marriages involving commoners, including Haakon’s marriage to Mette-Marit.

A keen sailor who competed for Norway at the Olympic Games, Harald remained closely involved with sporting and outdoor life throughout his reign. His public response to the July 22, 2011 terrorist attacks also left a lasting impression on many Norwegians, particularly his words of solidarity and support for those affected.
Harald’s motto, “Alt for Norge” (“All for Norway”) was inherited from his father and grandfather. He also repeatedly rejected the idea of abdication, saying that the oath he had sworn to, was for life.