Norway's King Harald V dies at 89
The monarch passed away peacefully at an Oslo hospital, the royal palace announced.
Quick Look
- Norway's King Harald V has died at age 89 in Oslo.
- He will be succeeded by his son, Crown Prince Haakon.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
King Harald V had been hospitalized with a blood disorder on August 17 before his health deteriorated.
Norway’s King Harald V has died at the age of 89, the royal palace announced on Friday.
The king passed away peacefully at a hospital in the Norwegian capital, Oslo, at 6:35 AM local time (04:35 GMT), the palace said in a statement.
Harald had been hospitalized with a blood disorder on August 17. The monarch’s health deteriorated during treatment, with his condition being described as “extremely serious” on Thursday.
Members of the royal family canceled their official engagements and were at the king’s bedside during his final days, while people were laying flowers outside the palace, according to local media.
Harald will be succeeded on the throne by his only son, 53-year-old Haakon VIII.
The late king was a popular figure in the country, and has been credited with modernizing the monarchy, including by marrying a commoner and being transparent about the royal family’s spending.
However, Harald’s final years were overshadowed by a series of scandals involving members of his family, including scrutiny of the past ties between Haakon’s wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Additionally, the king’s step-son, Marius Borg Hoiby, was convicted of rape.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Haakon VIII will succeed to the throne
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- When will the funeral take place?
- When will Haakon VIII's coronation occur?
