Norway’s King Harald V Dies At 89, Son Haakon Ascends Throne

Norway’s King Harald V has died at the age of 89 after more than three decades on the throne.

The Royal Palace in Oslo confirmed on Friday, August 28, that the King died peacefully at 6:35 a.m. local time at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet.

“It is with deep grief that we announce that His Majesty King Harald has passed away,” the palace said.

Harald’s death immediately brought his reign to an end, with his son, Crown Prince Haakon, becoming King Haakon VIII. 

The King had been receiving treatment in hospital since August 17 after his health deteriorated. The palace had said on Thursday that his condition had become extremely serious, prompting Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon to cancel their engagements and remain at his bedside. 

The palace flag was lowered to half-mast following the announcement, while members of the public gathered outside the royal residence in Oslo to lay flowers and pay their respects. 

Harald, who became king in 1991, is survived by Queen Sonja, whom he married in 1968, their children Haakon and Princess Märtha Louise, and his grandchildren.