Norway’s King Harald V has died; the throne passes to Crown Prince Haakon. Harald led the monarchy through modernisation and public trust tests amid family scandals.
King Harald V of Norway has died at Oslo University Hospital at 06:35 local time on 28 August 2026. Crown Prince Haakon has automatically become King Haakon VIII. The palace has said the king had been treated since 17 August for haemolytic anaemia after weeks of declining health; flags are lowered and national mourning is beginning.
Oslo district court has convicted Marius Borg Høiby, 29, on two counts of rape and multiple other offences and has sentenced him to four years in prison. He has been acquitted on two other rape charges, has been in custody since February and will have the right to appeal. The case has intensified scrutiny of Crown Princess Mette‑Marit and reduced public trust in Norway's monarchy.
The Crown Princess has undergone a lung transplant following a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis. She remains in hospital for recovery. Her son’s trial and Epstein-related scrutiny have intensified scrutiny of the royal family amid a broader crisis of public trust.
Belgian prince Laurent has publicly acknowledged Clement Vandenkerckhove as his son, granting him a royal title and inheritance rights while excluding a royal allowance or succession. The recognition follows a six-month-ago town hall ceremony and the 26-year-old’s prior private discovery and DNA confirmation.