King Harald V of Norway Dies at 89 as Crown Prince Haakon Ascends the Throne

Death of King Harald V of Norway·Latest event September 1, 2026

Aug 28

King Harald V of Norway Dies at 89 as Crown Prince Haakon Ascends the Throne

King Harald V died at age 89 after a 35-year reign. He is credited with transforming the Norwegian monarchy into a modern institution. Harald was the first Norwegian prince born on home soil in 567 years. He fled the Nazi occupation as a child and later competed in the Olympics as a yachtsman. His tenure was marked by efforts to bridge tradition and modernity within the royal house. Following his father's death, Crown Prince Haakon ascended the throne as King Haakon VIII. The transition comes as the royal family faces scrutiny regarding Crown Princess Mette-Marit's past associations with Jeffrey Epstein. Despite these challenges, Harald's legacy remains defined by his popular appeal and modernization of the crown.

Harald V, Norway's King as Tradition and Modernity Collided, Dies at 89Norway's King Harald, who fled Nazis as a child and modernized monarchy, dies at 89Harald V, the sailing king who epitomized a modern Norwegian royalty, dies | CNN