Norway’s King Harald speaks during a gala dinner at the Palace in connection with the state visit of the Icelandic presidential couple, in Oslo, Norway, on April 8, 2025. Fredrik Varfjell/NTB/Reuters
Norway’s King Harald, Europe’s oldest reigning head of state, has died at the age of 89 after more than three decades on the throne, the royal palace said on Friday.
“It is with deep grief that we announce that His Majesty King Harald has passed away,” the Royal Court said in a statement. “King Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet Friday 28 August at 6:35 AM.”
The royal household said previously that the king, who was hospitalized on Monday, was being treated for anemia before his condition worsened.
On Thursday, the palace said Harald had developed a bacterial infection in his bloodstream and was receiving antibiotics.
“His Majesty the King’s health deteriorated over the weekend. The King is receiving antibiotics for a bacterial infection in his blood, and has responded to this treatment,” the palace said in a health update at time.
Leaders from Europe and beyond issued tributes shortly after the palace announced Harald’s death, praising his decades of public service and his role in strengthening Norway’s international relationships.
The U.S. Embassy in Oslo paid tribute, saying, “We extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Norway on this sad day.”
The UK’s King Charles said he was profoundly saddened by the death of his “dear cousin,” King Harald V, calling him “a much-loved kinsman and friend.”
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog were also among those paying tribute to King Harald after his death.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb said the monarch would be remembered for his ability to unite Norwegians.
“King Harald V will be remembered for his long-standing and devoted service as Head of State, his ability to unite Norwegians from all walks of life, and his steadfast commitment to maintaining hope and confidence in the future through all times,” Stubb said in a post on X.
Crown Prince Haakon (R) and Crown Princess Mette-Marit (L) of Norway visit an exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany, on Oct. 15, 2019. Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images
Harald’s death means his son, Crown Prince Haakon, 53, becomes Norway’s new king, making him the country’s fourth monarch since Norway dissolved its union with Sweden in 1905.
Haakon’s wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, will become queen consort.
Support for the monarchy dropped to 60 percent in February 2026, down from 70 percent the previous month, according to a Norstat poll published by public broadcaster NRK, then rose slightly to 64 percent in May.
Harald had remained popular with Norwegians. According to the February poll, he was the royal who best represented the Norwegian royal family, with a score of 9.2, on a scale of 1 to 10.
Reuters contributed to this report.
