King Harald V of Norway dies at age 89

King Harald V of Norway passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 06:35 local time at the Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet. The monarch had been hospitalized since August 17 to receive treatment for a rare blood condition, specifically hemolytic anemia, and his health had significantly deteriorated in the final 24 hours of his life, prompting visits from members of the royal family.

Following his death, his son, Crown Prince Haakon, has automatically ascended to the throne as King Haakon VIII. The late King, who reigned for 35 years since 1991, was widely regarded as a modernizer who served as a unifying figure for the nation. His passing occurs during a challenging period for the royal family, which has faced intense public scrutiny regarding the private correspondence of Crown Princess Mette-Marit with Jeffrey Epstein and the recent four-year prison sentence of her son, Marius Borg Høiby, for rape and other violent charges.

A period of national mourning has been declared across Norway, with flags flown at half-mast and citizens gathering at the Royal Palace to pay their respects. While public life continues, authorities have requested that professional activities be conducted in a dignified manner as the nation prepares for the funeral, the date of which has yet to be announced.