Norway’s King Harald Dies at 89 After 35 Years on the Throne

Norway’s King Harald has died at the age of 89 after being hospitalized for treatment for a rare blood condition. The palace in Oslo announced that the King of Norway died peacefully at 6:35 a.m. local time on Friday, August 28, at the national hospital in Oslo.

His death brings an end to a 35-year reign during which King Harald V became known as a popular and modernizing monarch who helped reshape Norway’s royal family while maintaining a close relationship with the public.

The royal flag above the palace was lowered to half-mast following the announcement, while a period of national mourning was declared ahead of his funeral. Crowds gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo to leave flowers and Norwegian flags in memory of the monarch.

King Harald Dies at Oslo Hospital

Norway’s King Harald dies aged 89, after 35 years on the throne https://t.co/ViGM6wDqNo

— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) August 28, 2026

The palace confirmed that King Harald had died peacefully after his health deteriorated in recent weeks. He had been receiving treatment for hemolytic anemia, a rare condition that causes the number of red blood cells in the body to fall.

The monarch had increasingly reduced his public duties because of health problems. In April 2024, he permanently scaled back his official engagements, with Crown Prince Haakon frequently stepping in to represent him.

Harald was admitted to the hospital on August 17, with his son subsequently serving as regent and taking over his official responsibilities.

His death was met with condolences from fellow European royals. Britain’s King Charles III described Harald as his “dear cousin” and sent his most heartfelt condolences. Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf also remembered him as a close friend to himself, his family, and Sweden, while wishing Haakon success as he takes on the…