Norway’s King Harald V Dies at 89, Crown Prince Haakon Takes Throne

Norway’s King Harald V has died at the age of 89 after a prolonged period of ill health, with his only son, Crown Prince Haakon, succeeding him as monarch.

The Norwegian Royal Palace announced the king’s death on Friday, August 28, stating that he died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35 a.m.

The palace said Harald had been receiving medical treatment at the hospital since August 17 after being diagnosed with haemolytic anaemia, a condition that causes red blood cells to be destroyed faster than the body can replace them.

His condition reportedly worsened significantly on Thursday, prompting members of the royal family to gather at the hospital. Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, his wife, Mette-Marit, and their adult children were said to have been by the king’s side.

Following the announcement, the Norwegian flag at the Royal Palace in Oslo was lowered to half-mast as members of the public gathered to mourn the late monarch.

One mourner, 24-year-old Kaspara Bolstad, described Harald as a steady and warm king who helped unite Norwegians.

She said the monarch was widely respected across the country and praised his commitment to tolerance and inclusion.

Harald became king in 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V. He went on to become Europe’s oldest reigning monarch and remained committed to serving on the throne despite several health challenges in his later years.

The late king had previously undergone the installation of a pacemaker and faced several other medical setbacks. In February, he was hospitalised in Tenerife after suffering an infection and dehydration while on a private holiday with Queen Sonja.

Despite his declining health, Harald had repeatedly rejected calls for abdication. He maintained that he would remain king for life, pointing to the oath he had made before Norway’s parliament.

His worsening condition had prompted Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store to cancel a planned trip to Germany.

Harald’s death marks the end of a 35-year reign and the beginning of a new chapter for the Norwegian monarchy under King Haakon.

Crown Prince Haakon, 53, is now Norway’s new monarch following the death of his father.

The transition comes amid personal challenges within the royal family. Crown Princess Mette-Marit has faced public scrutiny over her past contact with convicted American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, while her son, Marius Borg Høiby, has faced serious legal proceedings.

Mette-Marit has also experienced significant health problems and underwent a lung transplant in July.

Høiby, her son from a previous relationship, was sentenced in June to four years in prison after being convicted of rape and numerous other offences, including violence against a former partner. He has appealed the verdict.