Norway’s King Harald V Dies at the Age of 89

Norway’s King Harald V Dies at the Age of 89

King Harald V, who occupied the Norwegian throne for more than 35 years, has died at the age of 89. The widely respected monarch was laid to rest following a solemn state funeral in Oslo.

King Harald V of Norway died at Oslo University Hospital on August 28, 2026, following a period of health problems.

The Royal Palace officially announced the death of the King to the public.

Norway declared 13 days of national mourning following his death.

A state funeral for King Harald was held at Oslo Cathedral on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

Tens of thousands of Norwegians lined the streets to follow the funeral procession from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral.

The ceremony began with a 21-gun salute, while a minute of silence was observed across the country.

Members of royal families, heads of state and senior representatives from numerous countries attended the funeral.

Following the service at Oslo Cathedral, King Harald’s coffin was taken to the Royal Mausoleum at Akershus Fortress.

Harald V ascended the Norwegian throne on January 17, 1991, and reigned for more than 35 years.

He was known for his close relationship with the Norwegian people, his tolerance and his unifying messages.

King Harald also made a significant contribution to the modernisation of the Norwegian monarchy.

Following his death, his son Crown Prince Haakon succeeded him to the throne.

He began his reign as Norway’s new monarch under the name King Haakon VIII.

The Norwegian people bid an emotional farewell to King Harald V, one of the longest-reigning monarchs in the country’s history.