Norway’s King Harald V has died aged 89, bringing to an end a 35-year reign during which he became a widely respected symbol of national unity.
The Royal Palace said on Friday that Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35am local time on August 28.
The monarch had been receiving treatment at the hospital since August 17 for haemolytic anaemia. His condition worsened in the days leading up to his death, prompting members of the royal family to gather at his bedside.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today,” the palace said.
Harald’s death immediately triggered national mourning, with flags at the Royal Palace in Oslo lowered to half-mast.
His son, Crown Prince Haakon, 53, automatically becomes king under Norway’s constitutional succession rules. He is expected to reign as King Haakon VIII.
Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit were among those who were with Harald during his final hours.
Harald had experienced a series of health problems in recent years, including infections and the implantation of a pacemaker. His declining health had led to a reduction in his official duties.
Despite his health challenges, however, Harald repeatedly dismissed calls for abdication, maintaining that the oath he took as king was a commitment for life.
Monarch leaves behind turbulent royal household
The king’s death comes at a challenging time for Norway’s royal family, which has faced a number of health and personal difficulties.
Harald was hospitalised in February after falling ill with an infection and dehydration during a private trip to Tenerife with Queen Sonja. The queen, who was also 89, was briefly admitted to hospital in May following heart problems.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit has faced scrutiny over her previous correspondence with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The correspondence became public following the release of documents in the United States.
Her son, Marius Borg Høiby, has also been embroiled in legal proceedings. Høiby, from Mette-Marit’s previous relationship, was sentenced in June to four years in prison for rape and other offences. He has appealed the conviction.
Mette-Marit, 53, underwent a lung transplant in July while being treated for a serious lung condition.
Despite the controversies surrounding the family, Harald retained broad popularity among Norwegians and was regarded as an important figure in maintaining social cohesion.
Born on February 21, 1937, Harald became king after the death of his father, King Olav V, in 1991. During his reign, he helped steer the monarchy towards a more modern and accessible image.
Harald was also known for presenting the royal institution as one that reflected contemporary Norwegian society, while maintaining its traditional ceremonial role.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre paid tribute to the late monarch, describing him as a king who devoted his life to Norway and helped unite the country during difficult periods.
The government is scheduled to meet with the new monarch at the Royal Palace during an extraordinary Council of State.
Harald’s death marks the close of one of the longest modern reigns in Norway, with the country now entering a new chapter under King Haakon VIII.
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