King Harald V of Norway Dies at 89, Ending 35-Year Reign

King Harald V of Norway died peacefully on 28 August 2026 at Rikshospitalet in Oslo, aged 89. He was Europe's oldest serving head of state. His 35-year reign ends amid a turbulent period for the monarchy: support has fallen from 72% to 54% in one year, driven by crises around Crown Princess Mette-Marit's Epstein ties and her son's criminal conviction. Crown Prince Haakon, already serving as regent, succeeds him.