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Norway has been plunged into grief following the death of King Harald V, the country’s deeply loved monarch, who passed away in hospital early Friday morning.
The royal household confirmed the news in a statement, saying: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of His Majesty King Harald today. King Harald passed away peacefully at the National Hospital on Friday, 28 August, at 06:35 am.”
The King died surrounded by his family after a short health battle.
His passing immediately places renewed scrutiny on the scandal‑shadowed Crown Prince couple, with his son, Haakon VIII, now succeeding him to the throne.
A monarch’s final days
King Harald died at Oslo University Hospital on the morning of 28 August. The 89‑year‑old had been treated for a serious blood infection in the days leading up to his death.
Just 24 hours earlier, the palace announced his condition had deteriorated, prompting the royal family to cancel all engagements and rush to his bedside.
Harald reigned for 35 years, ascending the throne in 1991. At the time of his death, he was Europe’s oldest serving monarch.
He leaves behind his wife, Queen Sonja. His death came one day before what would have been their 58th wedding anniversary.
Their love story — and the nine‑year battle to secure permission to marry — has been dramatised in the four‑part series The Commoner, now streaming on Prime Video.
There will be several days of national mourning in the lead up to Harald’s funeral which will be held at Oslo Cathedral.
He will then be buried in the royal mausoleum of the Akershus fortress.
Who is Norway’s new King?
Harald V is succeeded by his son, Haakon VIII, formerly Crown Prince. His wife, Mette‑Marit, becomes Queen.
Following the former King’s death, a government conference at the Office of the Prime Minister will take place, followed by a Council of State meeting with the new monarch where he will formally announced the death of Harald.
Within the next few days, the new sovereign will take an oath in front of parliament, promising to rule over the kingdom in accordance with its laws.
But the transition may not be smooth. Questions have long surrounded Queen Mette‑Marit’s suitability for the role due to her past friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Her son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, was convicted in June 2026 of rape, domestic violence, drug offences and traffic violations. He received a four‑year prison sentence but is currently serving house arrest with electronic monitoring near the Skaugum royal estate while awaiting appeal.
His half‑sister, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, now becomes heir apparent. She began university studies in Sydney in 2025 before returning to Norway this year shortly before Mette‑Marit underwent a lung transplant.
The new King’s sister, Princess Märtha Louise, also remains a polarising figure. She stepped down from royal duties over her spiritual beliefs and her marriage to self‑proclaimed shaman Durek Verrett.
King Harald V’s death marks the end of an era for Norway. It remains to be seen if King Haakon VIII and Queen Mette‑Marit can rise above the turbulence that has long shadowed the family, or whether the weight of public opinion will follow them into a new and uncertain chapter for the Norwegian Crown.
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