Norway’s King Harald V died at age 89 on August 28, 2026, after a brief hospitalization in Oslo. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, 53, immediately succeeded him as King Haakon VIII, marking the beginning of a new royal era in Norway. The late monarch’s funeral cortege traveled from Oslo University Hospital to the royal palace on Friday evening, where mourners lined the streets in pouring rain to pay their respects.
Thousands of Norwegians pay tribute in Oslo
Tens of thousands of mourners gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo on Saturday, placing flowers, handwritten cards, and small national flags at the palace gates. The square in front of the palace, Slottsplassen, was covered in a sea of colorful bouquets as a steady stream of well-wishers filed past. Palace workers collected dried cards after a nighttime downpour to preserve messages for posterity, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK. Some bouquets were temporarily removed by gardeners to keep pathways clear.
Mourners described the scene as “special, intimate, and lovely.” Roni Ervik, 46, told NRK he was paying tribute to the late king on behalf of his family, adding, “I’m placing my right hand on my chest in gratitude to him and the royal family.” Flags across Norway flew at half-mast, and portraits of King Harald in gala uniform were displayed in public spaces, from metro stations to bus stops.
King Haakon VIII assumes throne with new motto
King Haakon VIII, formerly Crown Prince Haakon, adopted the royal motto “All for Norway”, a phrase dating back to his great-grandfather. His wife, Mette-Marit, became queen, and their eldest child, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, was named heir to the throne. King Haakon has previously served as regent during his father’s declining health in recent years.
The new monarch is expected to address the nation in his first speech as king either Saturday or in the coming days. His early duties include reinforcing public support for the monarchy amid recent controversies, including his wife’s past associations and his stepson’s criminal conviction. Norway’s parliament announced the new king will take an oath of allegiance in its main chamber on September 1, with a period of national mourning declared until the funeral date is set.
King Harald’s legacy of inclusiveness remembered
Mourners highlighted King Harald’s commitment to tolerance and inclusivity, citing a 2016 speech in which he stated, “Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who love boys, and girls and boys who love each other.” Mari Eidsvaag, 32, wore a T-shirt emblazoned with the quote, a rainbow, and a drawing of the late king, calling it “a very important statement, especially these days.”
King Harald, who became Europe’s oldest-reigning monarch after Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022, reigned for 35 years following his ascension in 1991. He was hospitalized since August 17 for haemolytic anaemia, a condition causing rapid destruction of red blood cells, which led to fatigue and shortness of breath. His health deteriorated after contracting an infection, prompting the Norwegian Royal Family to rush to his bedside on Thursday.
Funeral arrangements and national mourning
King Harald lies in state at the royal palace, with plans for the public to pay respects in front of his coffin inside the royal chapel at a later date. His casket will be placed on a purple-draped catafalque, adorned with the symbols of monarchy: a crown, sword, sceptre, and orb. The funeral date has not yet been announced.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre described Harald as “a king of his time and for his time,” praising his humor, warmth, and unwavering faith in the Norwegian people. Støre also noted the transition of power, stating, “An era has ended. A new one begins. The king is dead. Long live the king.” King Haakon formally notified the government of his father’s death upon arriving at the palace with his daughter, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra.
The government has declared a period of national mourning until the funeral, with further details on public ceremonies to be announced.