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NewsKPBS Public MediaAugust 28, 2026San Diego

King Harald V of Norway dies at 89; Prince Haakon succeeds as King

King Harald V of Norway has died at age 89, resulting in the automatic succession of his son, Haakon, to the throne as King Haakon VIII. The transition follows the death of Europe's oldest monarch, who reigned for over three decades.

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Why It Matters

The death of King Harald V marks a transition in the Norwegian monarchy, which serves a symbolic role in the nation's democracy.

Key Facts

  • King Harald V died at age 89 at the National Hospital in Oslo at 6:35 a.m. on Friday.
  • Prince Haakon automatically succeeded to the throne as King Haakon VIII.
  • Harald V was Europe's oldest monarch at the time of his death.
  • Harald V reigned for over three decades, beginning in January 1991.
  • The Norwegian monarchy serves a largely symbolic role in the democracy of 5.5 million people.
  • Harald V was born in 1937 and was the first Norwegian prince born in the country since 1370.
  • The Norwegian Constitution was altered in 1990 to allow the first-born child to take precedence in succession, though it was not applied retroactively.
  • Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Queen Mette-Marit, was recently convicted of rape and sentenced to four years in prison.
  • Princess Märtha Louise gave up royal duties in 2022.

Who's Mentioned

personAnders Behring Breivik“Perpetrator of 2011 attacks”personHaakon VIII“New King of Norway”personMärtha Louise“Princess of Norway”personSonja Haraldsen“Queen of Norway”personMette-Marit“Queen of Norway”personJeffrey Epstein“Late sex offender”personMarius Borg Høiby“Son of Queen Mette-Marit”personHarald V“Late King of Norway”personJonas Gahr Støre“Prime Minister of Norway”