Norwegian Monarch King Harald V Passes Away at 89, Palace Confirms

By Simon Ormiston, Euronews

Published on 28/08/2026 – 8:51 GMT+2 • Updated 9:06

Norway’s King Harald V, Europe’s longest-reigning monarch, has died at the age of 89, the royal palace confirmed on Friday.

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of His Majesty King Harald. He died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday, August 28, at 6:35 am,” the palace stated in an official release.

Following the announcement, the flag above the Royal Palace in Oslo was lowered to half-mast as citizens gathered outside to lay flowers and honor the late king.

The 89-year-old monarch had been receiving care at the hospital since August 17 due to haemolytic anaemia, a medical condition characterized by the rapid destruction of red blood cells.

On Thursday, his family was summoned to his side after the palace described his condition as “extremely critical.” Crown Prince Haakon remained by his father’s bedside throughout the night.

Having ascended to the throne in 1991, Harald had faced numerous health challenges in recent years, including the implantation of a pacemaker. Despite these difficulties, he consistently refused to abdicate, citing the lifelong oath he had sworn before the Norwegian parliament.

Tributes poured in from across the nation, with citizens remembering him as a compassionate and unifying figure for Norway. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre suspended a planned visit to Germany as the situation worsened.

Our newsroom is actively gathering further details and will refresh this report as new information emerges.

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