Norway's King Harald V Dies at 89; His Son Haakon Becomes King

Norway's King Harald V died peacefully at 89 on August 28, 2026, at Oslo University Hospital. He had been treated for a blood disorder where red blood cells die off too fast. Europe's oldest king ruled 35 years and refused to step down, citing a lifelong oath. His 53-year-old son Haakon automatically became King Haakon VIII and met with Norway's government that same day.