Norway is in mourning following the death of King Harald V at the age of 89, the Norwegian Royal Court has announced. The monarch had been in hospital for more than 10 days in a condition described as “very serious”. His son Haakon now succeeds him as King Haakon VIII.
The death of King Harald V brings to an end one of the longest reigns in modern Norwegian history.
Harald had been on the throne since 1990 and was Europe’s oldest reigning monarch.
His health had deteriorated in recent days, leading to an extended hospital stay before the announcement of his death.
Haakon VIII becomes King
Following Harald’s death, the crown passes to his son Haakon, who becomes King Haakon VIII.
The succession marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Norwegian monarchy, with Haakon taking over after more than three decades of his father’s reign.
Europe’s oldest reigning monarch
At 89, Harald V was the oldest reigning monarch in Europe.
During his reign, he became a symbol of continuity and national stability, carrying out a largely constitutional and ceremonial role while remaining closely associated with Norway’s national identity.
Norway enters a period of mourning
Further details are expected from the Royal Court regarding official commemorations, funeral arrangements and the transition to the new reign.
After more than 35 years on the throne, Norway is saying farewell to King Harald V and entering the reign of King Haakon VIII.