Norway's King Harald V dies aged 89 as Prince Haakon takes the throne
The monarch died on Friday after his health deteriorated in recent weeks
King Harald V of Norway has died at the age of 89 after spending several weeks in hospital due to health complications. Harald, who had been on the throne since 1991, was Europe's oldest living monarch.
The King died at 6:35 a.m. on Friday, according to an official announcement from the Norwegian Royal Palace. Harald V had been hospitalized since mid-August and his condition had deteriorated in recent days.
"It is with profound sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today. King Harald passed away peacefully at the National Hospital," the Royal Palace said.
Under Norway's succession rules, the transition has taken place automatically. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, has succeeded his father to the Norwegian throne, having previously served as regent on several occasions during the King's absences due to ill health.
Haakon is married to Mette-Marit, who now becomes queen consort.
More than three decades on the Norwegian throne
Harald V was born in Norway in 1937. During the Nazi occupation of the country, the royal family moved to the United States before returning to Norway following the end of the Second World War.
In 1968, he married Sonja Haraldsen after years of difficulties securing approval for their relationship. His father, King Olav V, and parts of the Norwegian establishment had initially opposed the marriage because Haraldsen was a commoner.
Harald ascended to the throne in 1991, following the death of Olav V, and remained Norway's head of state for more than three decades.
Following the unexpected abdication of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark in 2024, Harald V publicly insisted that he had no intention of following her example.
"I stand by what I have always said: I took an oath before Parliament, and it is for life," he said at the time.
Harald remained true to that commitment until his death, although in April 2024 he announced that he would scale back his official duties due to his age and declining health.
Years of health problems
Harald V was admitted to hospital on August 17 after suffering fluid retention following cortisone treatment for haemolytic anaemia.
Several days later, the Royal Palace announced that the King had developed a bloodstream infection. He initially responded to treatment and his condition stabilized before subsequently deteriorating.
Harald had suffered a series of health problems in recent years. In 2024, he had a pacemaker implanted after falling ill while on holiday in Malaysia and had also been hospitalized with a respiratory infection.
The King had previously overcome two bouts of cancer, undergone several surgical procedures and had a heart valve replaced in 2020. Earlier in 2026, he also required hospital treatment in Tenerife after suffering from an infection and dehydration.
Harald V's death marks the beginning of a new era for the Norwegian monarchy, with Haakon taking the throne after his father's more than three decades as King.