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

Norway's King Harald V died peacefully at 89 on August 28, 2026, at Oslo University Hospital after treatment for haemolytic anaemia — a condition where red blood cells break down faster than the body replaces them. Europe's oldest reigning monarch 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.