Norway King Harald V dies at the age of 89 after being hospitalised with a rare blood disorder. The Royal Palace announced his death on Friday, saying the monarch passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital.
“King Harald passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday, Aug 28 at 6:35 a.m,” the palace said.
Harald had been in hospital since August 17 after developing haemolytic anaemia. The condition causes red blood cells to break down faster than the body can replace them. It can lead to severe fatigue and breathing difficulties.
His health had deteriorated in recent years. He received a pacemaker and reduced his official duties. Despite those challenges, Harald repeatedly said he would not abdicate the throne.
Crown Prince Haakon Becomes King
Harald’s death immediately placed his son, Crown Prince Haakon, on the Norwegian throne. He is expected to reign as King Haakon VIII.
Members of the royal family visited Harald before his death. Supporters also gathered outside the palace in Oslo after officials said his condition had become extremely serious.
Harald became king in January 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V. His reign lasted more than three decades.
He was the first Norwegian-born king since the 14th century. His reign covered a period of significant prosperity for Norway, driven largely by the country’s oil and gas wealth.
Harald’s Early Life
Harald was born near Oslo in February 1937. His childhood was shaped by the Second World War.
After Nazi Germany invaded Norway, his mother took Harald and his sisters to safety. They first went to Sweden before travelling to the United States. His father and grandfather, King Haakon VII, remained in Britain during the war.
The king later became one of Norway’s most popular public figures. Many Norwegians remembered his strong response after the 2011 attacks carried out by Anders Behring Breivik.
In a speech following the attacks, which killed 77 people, Harald defended freedom and urged the country not to give in to fear.
A New Era for the Norwegian Monarchy
The death of Harald comes during a difficult period for Norway’s royal family. Crown Princess Mette-Marit has faced scrutiny over her past communications with convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Her son, Marius Borg Høiby, also faced serious legal problems. He was sentenced in June to four years in prison after being convicted of two counts of rape and numerous other charges, including domestic violence.
King Haakon VIII now begins his reign at a challenging moment. His succession marks the start of a new chapter for Norway’s monarchy.
For many Norwegians, Harald’s death also closes a major era. He guided the country through more than 35 years of social and political change while maintaining a strong connection with the public.
