Norway's King Harald V dies at age 89
Norway’s King Harald V has died at 89 following a bloodstream infection and anemia. Crown Prince Haakon succeeds him as king following a 35-year reign.
Norway’s King Harald V has died at the age of 89, the royal court confirmed on Friday. Europe’s oldest reigning monarch passed away peacefully at Rikshospitalet in Oslo following a rapid decline in his health caused by hemolytic anemia and a bloodstream infection. His family gathered at his bedside prior to his passing as the country prepared for his loss.
Harald ascended the throne in 1991 and ruled for 35 years under his motto, "All for Norway." Crown Prince Haakon immediately succeeded his father as Norway's new monarch. Tributes have poured in from European royal families, with Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf expressing "great sadness" over the loss of his close friend. Flowers have been placed outside the royal palace in Oslo by mourning citizens.
Sources: BBC News, Berlingske, France24, ORF, The Local Sweden
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Earlier coverage
- Sep 4, 2026, 03:00 AM UTCNorwegian and Nordic media reflect on King Harald V's compassionate legacy
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