Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Norway’s King Harald V Dies at 89; Haakon VIII Succeeds
Norway’s King Harald V has died at age 89.
The royal palace said he passed away peacefully in a hospital in Oslo.
He had been receiving treatment for a condition that destroys red blood cells.
Harald became king in 1991 after his father died.
He was Europe’s oldest reigning monarch.
His son, Crown Prince Haakon, now becomes King Haakon VIII.
Norway’s king represents the country but does not run the government.
Elected lawmakers hold the main political power.
King Harald V of Norway died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday, August 28, aged 89.
Harald had been receiving treatment since August 17 for haemolytic anaemia.
His son, Crown Prince Haakon, automatically succeeds him as King Haakon VIII.
Harald became Norway’s king in January 1991 after the death of his father, King Olav V.
The Norwegian monarchy is largely ceremonial, while political power rests with the elected parliament.
- Who
- King Harald V of Norway died; his son, Crown Prince Haakon, succeeds him as King Haakon VIII.
- What
- Harald died at age 89 after serving as Norway’s monarch since 1991.
- When
- Friday, August 28; the palace announced his death that morning.
- Where
- Oslo University Hospital in Oslo, Norway.
- Why
- The palace said Harald had been receiving treatment for haemolytic anaemia, and his health had deteriorated.
- Age at death
- 89
- Position
- King of Norway
- Reign
- Began in January 1991
- Successor
- Crown Prince Haakon, now King Haakon VIII
- Place of death
- Oslo University Hospital
- Medical condition
- Haemolytic anaemia
- Monarchy’s role
- Largely ceremonial, with political power held by the elected parliament
