Norway’s monarch since Harald V’s death; modernizing crown for a united monarchy
King Harald has died at 89, and Crown Prince Haakon has become King Haakon VIII, pledging to uphold Norway’s constitutional monarchy and rule of law. The nation mourns as Haakon outlines a vision of democracy, inclusivity, and unity, with the oath in parliament looming and a cautious transition underway.
The 89-year-old monarch has been admitted to hospital with haemolytic anaemia and is under cortisone treatment. Crown Prince Haakon serves as regent while the king remains on leave. Family members are at Oslo University Hospital as officials say his condition is extremely serious.
King Harald V has died at Oslo University Hospital at 06:35 on Friday, Aug. 28, aged 89. Crown Prince Haakon has become King Haakon VIII and will take the oath before parliament on Tuesday. Norway has declared national mourning; tens of thousands have left tributes at the royal palace and a funeral date is set for Sept. 9.
King Harald V has died at 89. Crown Prince Haakon has become King Haakon VIII, pledging the motto “All for Norway.” Mourners gather at Slottsplassen as the royal household enters a period of mourning; a state funeral date has not yet been announced, and Haakon is set to address the nation in coming days.
King Haakon has taken an oath before Norway’s parliament after the death of King Harald V, pledging to govern in line with the constitution and laws. Queen Mette-Marit remains under medical observation after a June lung transplant. Harald’s funeral is set for Sept. 9, with public visits to the late king’s coffin continuing until Sept. 8.
The Danish-British and European royal show converges in Oslo as King Harald V is buried. King Haakon VIII has ascended the throne, and Queen Sonja and Queen Mette-Marit accompany the new monarch. Dozens of foreign leaders attend, while domestic controversies around Mette-Marit and Haakon’s stepson Høiby shadow the event.