Norway’s King Harald V Dies at 89

King Harald V of Norway died on 28 August 2026 at the age of 89. He had ruled Norway for 35 years and was Europe’s oldest reigning monarch at the time of his death. His son succeeded him immediately as King Haakon VIII.

Norwegian Monarchy

Norway is a constitutional monarchy in which the monarch serves as head of state and the elected government exercises executive power. The Norwegian royal house belongs to the House of Glücksburg, a royal dynasty with branches in Denmark, Norway, and Greece.

Succession in Norway

Norwegian royal succession follows absolute primogeniture under the Constitution of Norway. The heir apparent becomes monarch immediately after the death or abdication of the reigning king, and the new sovereign is then formally proclaimed by the Council of State.

Royal Court and State Protocol

The Royal Court of Norway manages the official duties of the monarch and the royal family. In Norway, an extraordinary council of state is held after the death of a monarch, and the new king notifies the cabinet of accession during the meeting.

Important Facts for Exams

• Norway became a constitutional monarchy under the Constitution of 1814.
• The Norwegian monarch is the head of state, while the prime minister heads the government.
• The House of Glücksburg has provided monarchs to several European kingdoms.
• Oslo is the capital and largest city of Norway.

State Mourning and Public Response

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced a period of national mourning after the king’s death. People gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo with flowers, wreaths, and messages of sympathy, and church bells rang across Norway.