Death and state funeral of Harald V
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Harald V, King of Norway since 1991, died on the morning of 28 August 2026 at the Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, at the age of 89. He had been admitted to the hospital since 17 August. He was succeeded by his son Haakon VIII.
| Date | 28 August 2026 |
|---|---|
| Time | 06:35 (CEST) |
| Location |
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Background
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Harald, then aged 53, became king of Norway following the death of his father Olav V. Since the early 2000s, he had experienced several health issues. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2003, and in 2005 he underwent heart surgery. In 2020, he underwent heart surgery again to replace a heart valve.[1]
He had a leg operation in January 2022.[2] Harald was hospitalised in August with a fever and again in December for an infection, and was admitted once more in May 2023 shortly before Constitution Day. Harald tested positive for coronavirus in March 2022 and again in October 2023.[3] In January 2024, the royal palace announced that he was on sick leave due to a respiratory infection.[4]
While on holiday in Malaysia in February 2024, Harald was hospitalised in Langkawi with a low heart rate and had a temporary pacemaker implanted.[5][6] He was discharged on 3 March and transported back to Norway on a medical evacuation flight, after which he was placed on two weeks' sick leave.[7] He received a permanent pacemaker on 12 March[8] and was discharged two days later.[9]
In February 2026, he was hospitalised while on holiday in Tenerife and treated for a skin infection on his leg.[10]
Prior to his death, Harald had been scheduled to visit the municipalities of Rindal, Høylandet, Siljan and Nissedal in September and October 2026. These were the only municipalities that he had not yet visited in an official capacity during his reign.[11]
Final hospitalisation and death
On 17 August 2026, Harald was admitted to the Rikshospitalet with fluid retention caused by cortisone treatment for haemolytic anaemia and was placed on two weeks' sick leave.[12][13] His son Haakon was designated regent while he was hospitalised.[13] On 24 August, the palace said his condition had worsened and that he was receiving antibiotics for a bloodstream infection.[14]
On 27 August, the palace announced that his condition had become "extremely serious",[15] and it was reported that the royal family had cancelled all engagements and that members of the family were at his bedside.[16][17][18] In response to the news, several officials cancelled or cut short their travels,[19][20] including President of the Storting Masud Gharahkhani,[21] Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre,[22] President of the Sámi Parliament Silje Karine Muotka and the country's bishops, who were on a study trip to Rome.[23][24]
Harald died at 06:35 (CEST) at Rikshospitalet on 28 August, aged 89.[25][26] The palace announced his death at 08:35.[27][28]
Succession
Upon Harald's death, he was immediately succeeded by his son Crown Prince Haakon, who became King Haakon VIII.[29] He is expected to take the oath before the Storting in a ceremony on 1 September.[30]
Funeral
Details for Harald's state funeral were not immediately announced. According to NRK, his coffin was to be adorned with the crown and royal sceptre of Norway, as was the case with previous monarchs.[31]
Reactions
Domestic
The royal flag on the roof of the Royal Palace in Oslo was set to half-mast. A period of national mourning was declared leading up to the day of his funeral.[32]
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and other ministers signed a book of condolences at the Royal Palace. Støre said that the country was "united in grief and gratitude".[33] Støre and Gharakhani both addressed the nation following Harald's death.[34][35] Oslo mayor Anne Lindboe postponed her wedding ceremony to Pål Sandvid, which was originally scheduled on 28 August.[36]
The Football Association of Norway announced the postponement of matches in the top four men's divisions and the top three women's divisions for 48 hours.[37] Footballer Erling Haaland, who had met with the king following Norway's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, paid tribute to him on social media.[38][39] Haaland and fellow Norwegian footballer Jørgen Strand Larsen later wore a black mourning band during a Crystal Palace vs Manchester City Premier League fixture.[40]
Before Stage 7 of 2026 Vuelta a España, Norwegian riders, including the entire Uno-X Mobility (men's team), wore black mourning bands in tribute to Norway’s King Harald V. A tribute to the late monarch was also held at the start of the stage. It was particularly symbolic that Norwegian rider Andreas Leknessund won the stage that day, while his compatriot and teammate Tobias Halland Johannessen finished second. This gave Uno-X Mobility a one-two finish.[41]
International
Politicians and heads of state expressed condolences and paid tribute to Harald's leadership.[38]
Albania: Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha described Harald as "a wise and beloved monarch who served Norway with dignity, humility, and unwavering devotion."[42]
Bahrain: Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa has expressed his condolences.[43]
Belarus: President Alexander Lukashenko remembered Harald with his diplomatic relations to Norway, "which firmly inscribed his name in the chronicle of our bilateral interaction."[44]
Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya reflected to Harald that "he will be remembered for his warmth, dignity and lifelong service to his country."[45]
Belgium: King Philippe and Queen Mathilde described that Harald "was a familiar and reassuring presence, a beacon of stability for his country."[46]
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bosniak member and Chairman of the Presidency of BiH Denis Bećirović and Croat member Željko Komšić have expressed their condolences.[47][48] Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković also sent their condolences.[49]
Burundi: President Évariste Ndayishimiye expressed his condolences.[50]
Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his condolences.[51]
Croatia: Prime Minister Andrej Plenković expressed his condolences on behalf of the government of Croatia, reflecting that Harald "served the Norwegian people with dignity, dedication and an unwavering sense of duty."[52]
Czech Republic: President Petr Pavel expressed his condolences, recalling his meeting with Harald in 2015.[53] Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, also expressed his condolences, calling him "a respected statesman who served his country with dignity".[54] Foreign Minister Petr Macinka sent his condolences to his counterpart in Norway.[55]
Denmark: King Frederik X and Queen Mary expressed condolences, calling Harald "a strong unifying figure for the Norwegian people" stating "He was cherished like few others, and will be missed by many."[56]
Estonia: Prime Minister Kristen Michal expressed his condolences.[57] Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna expressed his condolences, noting that he "helped preserve and strengthen the friendship between Estonia and Norway."[58]
Eswatini: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini expressed his condolences.[59]
Finland: President Alexander Stubb stated that Harald would be remembered for his public service, his "ability to unite Norwegians from all walks of life" and "his steadfast commitment to maintaining hope and confidence in the future through all times".[60]
France: President Emmanuel Macron expressed his deep sadness at the death of King Harald, praising his steadfast efforts throughout his reign to strengthen ties between Norway and France. He also recalled the warm welcome Harald and Queen Sonja gave him and his wife in Oslo in June 2025, and offered his condolences to King Haakon and the Norwegian people.[61]
Germany: President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed his condolences, stating Germany lost a "great friend" and Europe a "great reconciler".[62] Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Harald a "great personality who stood for prudence and unity".[63]
Head of the House Franz von Bayern reflected that Harald, "guided Norway through many societal changes, always remaining known for being down-to-earth, approachable, and tolerant." He also recalled his meeting with Harald during Carl XVI Gustaf's 80th birthday in April.[64]
Gibraltar: The government expressed their condolences and flew flags at half-mast as a mark of respect.[65]
Greece: Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis expressed his condolences.[66]
Hungary: President András Baka remembered Harald with "his steadfast advocacy of European values, and the friendship with which he always regarded Hungary and our region."[68]
India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected on his visit to Norway, remembering him with "his warmth and profound sense of service to his nation.[69]
Iran: The government made no official statement on the King's death.
Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi expressed his condolences, stating that Harald "served his country with an unwavering sense of duty, dignity, and devotion to the Norwegian people."[70]
Iraq: Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi reflected "the political and humanitarian support Norway has provided to Iraq" in addition to his condolences.[71]
Kurdistan Region: Prime Minister Masrour Barzani expressed his condolences.[72]
Ireland: President Catherine Connolly expressed condolences and sympathy, stating that Harald would be "remembered for his dedicated public service on behalf of the Norwegian people and his inclusivity".[73] Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee said that "King Harald truly lived up to the official Royal Motto of 'Alt for Norge' and his loss will be felt by all".[74]
Iceland: President Halla Tomasdottir expressed her condolences.[75]
Israel: President Isaac Herzog gave his condolences on behalf of Israel.[76]
Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her condolences on behalf of the government. She also recalled Harald into "helping to strengthen the ties between Norway and Italy throughout his long reign."[77] Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also expressed his condolences to his counterpart in Norway, describing Harald as 'a figure of great authority, who guided the country through periods of significant transformation'.[78]
Japan: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi sent their condolences to their counterparts in Norway.[79]
Jordan: King Abdullah II expressed their condolences to King Haakon VIII.[80] The Royal Hashemite Court announced three days of national mourning.[81]
Kazakhstan: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described that Harald "was an outstanding statesman and a true symbol of unity."[82]
Kenya: President William Ruto has expressed his condolences on behalf of the government and the people of Kenya.[83]
Kosovo: Acting President Albulena Haxhiu described Harald that he served with "dignity, devotion and humanity."[84] Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca sent a similar condolence, describing that Harald was "marked by dignity, wisdom and humanity" and it "leaves a lasting legacy."[85]
Kuwait: Emir Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, and Prime Minister Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah expressed their condolences to King Haakon VIII.[86]
Latvia: President Edgars Rinkēvičs expressed his condolences.[87] Minister for Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže described Harald that he served the country with "unwavering dedication and integrity."[88]
Lithuania: President Gitanas Nausėda and Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius expressed their condolences on behalf of the people and government of Lithuania.[89]
Luxembourg: Grand Duke Guillaume V expressed his condolences on behalf of the grand ducal family, recalling his reign and sailing career. He also stated that Harald "remained true to his motto: 'Alt for Norge'."[90]
Malaysia: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his condolences on behalf of the government, stating that Harald "will be remembered for his generous understanding of what it meant to be Norwegian."[91]
Maldives: President Mohamed Muizzu expressed his condolences stating that Harald "will bring strength and solace to the Royal Family and comfort to all those who grieve his passing."[92]
Malta: Prime Minister Robert Abela expressed his condolences on behalf of the government and the people of Malta.[93]
Mexico: The Secretariat of Foreign Affairs expressed the Mexican government's condolences to the people of Norway and wished King Haakon VIII success as the new monarch.[94]
Moldova: President Maia Sandu expressed her condolences.[95]
Monaco: Prince Albert II remembered Harald with "his commitment to the protection of the enviroment, as well as to the Olympic values of sport, inclusion, cultural diversity and respect for human rights."[96]
Morocco: King Mohammed VI characterised King Harald as "embodying the unity of the nation".[97]
Namibia: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed her condolences stated that Harald "served his country with dignity, compassion and an unwavering sense of duty."[98]
Netherlands: King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and Princess Beatrix expressed their condolences, stating that Harald "served his country with love, pride and dedication" and "how he embraced the Netherlands and the Dutch people."[99]
Oman: Sultan Haitham bin Tariq expressed his condolences.[100]
Pakistan: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his condolences.[101]
Palestine: President Mahmoud Abbas characterised King Harald as a role model for his dedication, sincere work, and leadership of Norway in attaining its prominent position.[102]
Philippines: The Department of Foreign Affairs expressed their condolences.[103]
Poland: President Karol Nawrocki expressed his condolences.[104] Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski described Harald as "a monarch devoted to his country" and "a widely respected ruler". He also recalled two state visits in 1996 and 2012 from Harald and Queen Sonja.[105]
Portugal: President António José Seguro described Harald as a figure of reference and unity for the Norwegian people who had devoted himself tirelessly to the service of his country. He also recalled the state visit Harald and Queen Sonja made to Portugal in May 2008, which he said had strengthened ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, and offered condolences to the Norwegian royal family and people on his own behalf and on behalf of the Portuguese people.[106]
Qatar: Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has expressed his condolences.[107]
Romania: President Nicușor Dan expressed his condolences.[108]
Russia: The government made no official statement on the King's death.
Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna and her family expressed their condolences.[109]
Saudi Arabia: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman expressed their condolences and wished King Haakon VIII for his continued health and well-being.[110]
Serbia: President Aleksandar Vučić expressed his condolences remembering Harald "as a stability, wisdom and dedication to the Norwegian people"[111]
Slovakia: President Peter Pellegrini stated that Harald, "was a steady presence in Norwegian public life and a symbol of continuity and unity." He also recalled Harald and Sonja's visit to Slovakia in 2010.[113] Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed his condolences and wished King Haakon VIII on his future role as king.[114]
Slovenia: President Nataša Pirc Musar expressed her condolences on behalf of Slovenia.[115]
Somalia: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed his condolences.[116] The Somali Disaster Management Agency also expressed their condolences, reflecting Harald's "decades of dedicated service to Norway and for his strong commitment to inclusion, acceptance and respect for human dignity."[117]
Spain: King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia expressed their condolences on Harald's death and described him as "an example of dignity and simplicity".[118]
Sweden: King Carl XVI Gustaf announced a period of royal court mourning, with flags at Swedish royal palaces flown at half-mast.[119] Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described Harald as a "uniting force" among the Nordic countries.[33] Opposition leader Magdalena Andersson remarked that Harald had been with Norwegians "in some of the finest and best moments, but also in some of the absolute most difficult ones".[120]
Switzerland: President Guy Parmelin expressed his condolences.[121]
Syria: President Ahmed al-Sharaa has expressed his condolences to the people and government in Norway.[122]
Tanzania: President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her condolences on behalf of the government and the people of Tanzania.[123]
Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine said that Harald would be remembered for his "steadfast support and solidarity" during the Russo-Ukrainian war.[33]
United Arab Emirates: President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other Emirati leaders expressed their condolences to King Haakon VIII.[124]
United Kingdom: King Charles III stated that Harald "served his people with unwavering dedication, guiding Norway through times of great change with warmth and humility" and expressed condolences to the king's widow Queen Sonja.[33][125] The Union Flag was flown at half-mast above Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and at UK Government buildings until 8:00 PM on the day of his death,[126] with it also being flown at half-mast at all British Armed Forces installations, in reflection of Harald's honorary appointments in the British Armed Forces.[127][128] Harald was a second cousin of Charles's mother, Elizabeth II.[33]
- Epping Forest District: Flags at the civic offices in Epping flew at half-mast as a mark of respect.[129]
Scotland: First Minister John Swinney expressed condolences.[130]
Shetland Islands: Deputy Convener Catherine Hughson and Lord Lieutenant Lindsay Tulloch expressed their condolences. Norwegian flags are flying at half-mast outside the Lerwick Town Hall and will fly the flags during Harald's funeral.[131]
United States: President Donald Trump expressed condolences in a post on Truth Social.[38]
Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram saying that, "I offer the assurance of my prayers for the eternal rest of the late King."[132]
Vietnam: General Secretary and President Tô Lâm has expressed his condolences. Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng, National Assembly chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Lê Hoài Trung sent their condolences to their counterparts in Norway.[133]
Other
- Balliol College, Oxford: The college reflected on Harald's studying politics and economics. The College flag is flying at half-mast.[134]
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: The First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and members expressed their condolences stating that Harald "provided a steady and unifying presence for his nation."[135]
- Luther College: The college expressed their condolences.[136]
- St. Olaf College: President Susan Rundell Singer expressed her condolences, she reflected that Harald "understood the importance of this connection and heritage while also embracing a shared sense of responsibility for the future." Harald and Queen Sonja visited the campus in 2011.[137]