By Emem Nsini-Godwin
Norway’s King Harald V, Europe’s oldest reigning monarch, has died at the age of 89, the Royal Palace announced on Friday, August 28, 2026.
The palace said the king died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35am, following a period of medical treatment.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today,” the palace said in a statement.
King Harald had been receiving medical care since August 17 after being diagnosed with haemolytic anaemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them.
His condition reportedly deteriorated in the days preceding his death, with the Royal Palace describing it as “extremely serious.” Members of the royal family subsequently gathered at his bedside.
Crown Prince Haakon, the king’s only son, was reported to have remained with his father overnight as members of the family kept vigil.
Following the announcement of the monarch’s death, the Norwegian flag at the Royal Palace in Oslo was lowered to half-mast. Citizens also gathered outside the palace to lay flowers and pay tribute to the late king.
King Harald ascended the Norwegian throne in 1991, succeeding his father, King Olav V. During more than three decades as monarch, he became widely recognised for his steady leadership and his close relationship with the Norwegian people.
His death brings to an end one of Europe’s longest modern royal reigns and marks a significant transition for the Norwegian monarchy.
Crown Prince Haakon is expected to succeed his father as Norway’s next monarch, ushering in a new era for the Scandinavian kingdom.
The Royal Palace said further information concerning the funeral arrangements and official ceremonies would be released in due course.
King Harald’s death is expected to trigger a period of national mourning as Norway prepares to honour a monarch whose reign spanned more than three decades and witnessed significant changes both within the country and across Europe.
