<h1><br></h1><p>The Norwegian Royal Court announced that the King died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet at 6:35 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026.</p><p>King Harald, who had been Norway's monarch since 1991, was Europe's oldest reigning king. His death brings to an end a 35-year reign during which he became widely respected for his approachable style, inclusive outlook and commitment to modernising the Norwegian monarchy.</p><p>Born on February 21, 1937, Harald was the only son of King Olav V and Crown Princess Märtha. He spent part of his childhood in exile in the United States during the Second World War after Nazi Germany occupied Norway.</p><p>He later attended the Norwegian Military Academy and Balliol College, Oxford, before undertaking royal duties and representing Norway in sailing competitions, including the Olympic Games.</p><p>Harald became king following the death of his father, King Olav V, in January 1991.</p><p>His reign was marked by a gradual modernisation of the Norwegian royal institution. He was also known for his public expressions of support for equality, tolerance and diversity.</p><p>One of the defining moments of his public life came after the 2011 terrorist attacks in Norway, when he offered a message of solidarity and compassion that contributed to his reputation as a unifying national figure.</p><p>Harald married Sonja Haraldsen, a commoner, in 1968 after a nine-year courtship. The couple had two children, Princess Märtha Louise and Crown Prince Haakon.</p><p>Following his death, the Norwegian throne has passed to his son, who is now King Haakon VIII. The succession occurred immediately under Norway's constitutional monarchy system.</p><p>King Harald's final years were affected by several health problems. The Royal Court had reported in August that his condition had deteriorated and that he was receiving treatment for a bacterial infection in his bloodstream.</p><p>News of his death prompted an outpouring of grief across Norway, with people gathering outside the Royal Palace in Oslo to pay their respects. Flags have been lowered and members of the public have begun commemorating a monarch who remained a prominent and largely popular national figure throughout his reign.</p><p>Harald's death also marks a significant transition for Norway's monarchy as King Haakon VIII begins his reign at the age of 53.</p><p>The new King is expected to formally address the nation and affirm his commitment to Norway's Constitution and laws.</p><p>Photo courtesy: King Herald V, People.com</p>