Norway found out its king had died in a moving announcement as dawn broke in Oslo.
Harald V, King of Norway died on August 28, 2026. He was 89.
The Royal Court made a short announcement soon after the death of the king with a moving statement. It read simply that ”It is with deep sorrow that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today. King Harald quietly fell asleep at the National Hospital on Friday, August 28, at 6:35 a.m.”
Within minutes, the news was relayed on Norwegian TV which had been broadcasting special programmes about King Harald since early the previous day after it was confirmed his heatlh was failing.
Newsreaders were already wearing black. As the first statement was released, it was read with a faltering voice that showed the emotion felt by journalists well prepared for the story.
A tribute to him, with the Norwegian National Anthem, was then shown.
The flag at the Royal Palace in Oslo has been lowed to half mast.
The crowd of people who had already gathered at the palace for news of the king and to lay flowers began to grow.
There were tears: King Harald is a much loved king and is hugely respected around the world.
His friends and relations at the Danish Royal Court and the Swedish Royal Court immediately lowered their flags to half mast.
Norway is now living in the reign of King Haakon VIII, the only son of Harald V who succeeded him to the throne immediately.
The new heir to the throne is Haakon’s eldest child who becomes Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra.
Harald V’s beloved wife, Queen Sonja, is being comforted by family
