Norway’s King Harald Dies at Age 89

Norway’s King Harald V has died at the age of 89 after being hospitalised for treatment of a rare blood condition.

The Norwegian Royal Palace said the king died peacefully at 06:35 local time on Friday at the National Hospital in Oslo. The royal flag at the palace was lowered to half-mast as the country mourned his death.

Harald had ruled Norway for 35 years and was widely regarded as a popular and modernising monarch. He became king in January 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V.

His son, Crown Prince Haakon, 53, has succeeded him as king and is expected to hold an extraordinary Council of State with the government.

King Harald was born on 21 February 1937 near Oslo. During World War Two, he and his family fled Norway following Nazi Germany’s invasion. He later returned to Norway, completed his education and military service, and became crown prince in 1957.

He married Sonja Haraldsen in 1968 after a long struggle to obtain his father’s permission. Their marriage was significant because Sonja was a commoner rather than a European princess. The couple remained married for almost 58 years.

Harald became particularly respected for his close relationship with ordinary Norwegians and for his efforts to make the monarchy more open and inclusive.

Following the 2011 terrorist attacks in Oslo and Utøya, which killed 77 people, the king delivered an emotional message urging Norwegians to stand together and reject fear.

He also became known for his support for diversity, famously speaking about people of different nationalities, religions and sexual orientations as part of Norwegian society.

Beyond his royal duties, Harald was an accomplished sailor and represented Norway at three Olympic Games. He was also involved in environmental causes and served for many years as president of the Norwegian branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature.

In recent years, the king's health had deteriorated. He reduced his public engagements in 2024 and was later treated for haemolytic anaemia, a rare condition that reduces the number of red blood cells. He was admitted to hospital on 17 August, with Crown Prince Haakon taking over his duties as regent.

King Harald is survived by Queen Sonja, their daughter Princess Märtha Louise, their son King Haakon, and six grandchildren.

His death marks the end of a 35-year reign, with Norway now entering a new era under King Haakon.