Picture taken on October 04, 2022 shows King Harald V of Norway as he visits Flesberg and Lampeland, Norway. Norway's King Harald V, Europe's oldest reigning monarch, died on August 28,2026 at the age of 89, the royal palace announced. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB / AFP / Lehtikuva
International news
Norway’s King Harald V has died at the age of 89 after 35 years on the throne, ending a reign in which he steered the monarchy through social change and periods of national crisis.
The Royal House of Norway said Harald died at Oslo University Hospital at 6.35am on Friday, 28 August. He had been in hospital since 17 August and his condition had deteriorated in the days before his death.
The king had received treatment for haemolytic anaemia, which causes red blood cells to break down faster than the body replaces them. Harald later developed a bacterial infection. The palace described his condition as “extremely serious” on Thursday.
