King Harald V Of Norway Remembered After Peaceful Passing At 89 Following A 35-Year Reign Of Unity, Service, And National Devotion
King Harald V passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 6:35 a.m. at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet at the age of 89.
Norway mourns a monarch who began a 35-year reign in 1991 and became widely known as a warm, steady, and unifying national figure.
Born in 1937, King Harald V became the first Norwegian-born prince in centuries and carried early wartime exile experiences into a lifetime of public service.
The monarch represented Norway in sailing at three Olympic Games and kept a visible presence at national celebrations, sporting events, and state occasions.
In 1968, King Harald V married Sonja Haraldsen, and their partnership became a familiar part of Norway’s modern royal story.
Many also remember King Harald V’s 2016 message of inclusion, which described Norway as a home for all who belong to its society.
Following the passing, Crown Prince Haakon succeeded the throne as King Haakon VIII, while flags lowered and citizens gathered in remembrance.
Related