King Harald V: A Life of Duty, Love and Service to Norway

King Harald V of Norway has died at the age of 89, marking the end of a 35-year reign and a remarkable life of service to his country.

He died at Rikshospitalet (the National Hospital) with his son, Crown Prince Haakon, at his side. Haakon now succeeds his father as King Haakon VIII.

The late King's death came just one day before his 58th wedding anniversary to Queen Sonja. The couple married at Oslo Cathedral on August 29, 1968, after a nine-year courtship. Their marriage was historic, as Sonja was a commoner.

Together, they had two children, Princess Märtha Louise and Crown Prince Haakon, and later became grandparents. King Harald is also survived by his older sister, Her Highness Princess Astrid, Mrs. Ferner.

Harald became king in 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V. Over his 35-year reign, he became known for his warmth, humor and deep connection with the Norwegian people.

His death closes a remarkable chapter in Norway’s modern history - a reign defined by duty, family and a lifelong devotion to his country.

King Harald V — 1937–2026.

King Harald’s Health Deteriorates as He Remains Hospitalized; Family Members Visit Him in Hospital

King Harald’s health has deteriorated while he remains hospitalized at the National Hospital in Oslo, the Norwegian Royal Palace has announced.

The 89-year-old King has been hospitalized since Monday following a medical evaluation that found fluid accumulation resulting from his treatment for hemolytic anemia. Despite the deterioration in his health, the Palace says that King Harald is responding to treatment. Members of The King’s family have visited him at the hospital today as he continues to receive treatment.

The Palace has not provided further details about the nature of the deterioration or how it may affect The King’s recovery.

King Harald has faced a number of health challenges in recent years, but has continued to carry out his duties whenever his health has permitted. Crown Prince Haakon is currently serving as regent while his father remains 

hospitalized.

Further updates from the Norwegian Royal Palace are expected as The King continues to receive treatment at the National Hospital.

King Harald Cancels Trøndelag Visit; Remains Hospitalized as Crown Prince Haakon Remains Regent.

King Harald of Norway, 89, remains in hospital in Oslo, the Norwegian Royal Palace has said. The King was admitted to the National Hospital on Monday following a medical evaluation which found a build-up of fluid linked to his treatment for haemolytic anaemia.

The Palace has not provided further details about his current condition or said whether he is responding well to treatment.

King Harald has experienced a number of health problems in recent years. 

He was hospitalised in February 2024 after falling ill with an infection while on holiday in Malaysia and later received a permanent pacemaker after doctors found that his heart rate was too low. He has also received treatment for infections and respiratory problems.

Despite his health problems, The King has continued to carry out official duties when his health has allowed. Crown Prince Haakon has periodically served as regent during his father's periods of illness.

King Harald had been due to accompany Queen Sonja on an official visit to Trøndelag on 1 September, but will no longer take part. The Queen is expected to carry out the visit as planned. The Crown Prince remains regent while his father is in hospital. The Palace said a further update on the King's health is expected within the next week.

King Harald Hospitalized

King Harald, 89, was admitted to the National Hospital earlier today following a medical examination. The King is receiving treatment for fluid accumulation related to his ongoing treatment for hemolytic anemia and will remain on sick leave for two weeks.

During this time, Crown Prince Haakon will serve as Regent. The Royal Household has announced that it will return to the consequences of The King's hospitalization for the Royal Diary.

King Harald is no stranger to hospital visits. In February, the King was admitted to hospital in Tenerife with a skin infection and dehydration. His personal physician travelled from Norway to assist with his treatment. He was later discharged and able to return home without complications, unlike his hospitalization in 2024.

It was just two years ago that King Harald was hospitalized in Malaysia in serious condition. The King was on holiday when he was admitted to Sultanah Maliha Hospital on the resort island of Langkawi with an infection. His Majesty was fitted with a temporary pacemaker before being evacuated back to Norway on a medical flight accompanied by The Queen.

Following his return to Norway, The King was admitted to the National Hospital, where he was later fitted with a permanent pacemaker before being discharged.

While King Harald has faced several health challenges in recent years, including mobility issues, he has fortunately avoided a hospitalization as serious as the one he experienced in 2024.