Norway’s King Harald V dies at 89 after more than 3 decades as the country’s monarch. His death ends a reign that began in 1991 and brings his son Haakon to the throne, as Baltimore Chronicle reports.
King Harald V died at an Oslo hospital
Norway’s Royal House confirmed King Harald’s death on August 28, 2026. He died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet at 6:35 a.m. local time.
The monarch was 89. Reuters reported that his death came after more than 35 years on the throne.
Harald had recently faced serious health problems. His condition had deteriorated before his death, and Crown Prince Haakon had served as regent.
Haakon becomes Norway’s new king
The succession took effect immediately. Harald’s son, Crown Prince Haakon, became Norway’s monarch following his father’s death.
Associated Press reported that the new monarch is King Haakon VIII. His wife, Mette-Marit, becomes queen.
The central changes are:
- King Harald V died aged 89 on August 28.
- Haakon succeeded his father as king.
- Mette-Marit becomes queen.
- Ingrid Alexandra becomes crown princess and heir to the throne.
Norway does not require a coronation for a new monarch to assume the throne. The transition follows constitutional procedures and royal tradition.
Who was King Harald V?
Harald became king in 1991 after the death of his father, King Olav V. He later became Norway’s longest-serving living monarch and remained head of state through major social changes.
A few dates define his life and reign:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Harald V was born | February 21, 1937 |
| Became King of Norway | January 17, 1991 |
| Celebrated 30 years on throne | 2021 |
| Died in Oslo | August 28, 2026 |
| Age at death | 89 |
Harald was also an accomplished sailor. He represented Norway at 3 Olympic Games before becoming king.
His reign was associated with a more accessible monarchy and public messages supporting tolerance and inclusion. King Harald V’s death now opens a new chapter for Norway’s royal family.
What happens in Norway after King Harald’s death?
Norway entered a period of mourning following the announcement. The royal succession itself did not require an election or parliamentary vote.
King Haakon VIII now assumes the constitutional duties of the monarch. Funeral arrangements and official ceremonies are being handled by Norwegian authorities and the Royal House.
The transition ends the Harald V era while maintaining direct continuity within the Norwegian monarchy.
Earlier we wrote about How to watch Champions League 2026/27 in the USA: Live stream, dates and full team list