King Harald V Dies at 89; Crown Prince Haakon Succeeds as Norway's New King

Norway's King Harald V died peacefully at 89 on August 28, 2026, at Oslo University Hospital after being hospitalised with haemolytic anaemia. Europe's oldest reigning monarch, he ruled 35 years and refused to abdicate, citing a lifelong oath. His 53-year-old son Haakon automatically succeeds as King Haakon VIII and convened an extraordinary council of state with Norway's government the same day.