Norway's King Harald dies after more than three decades on throne; Prince Haakon takes over

King Harald V of Norway has died at 89, making his son Haakon the country’s new monarch in a succession that takes effect immediately and does not require a coronation.Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6.35am on Friday, August 28, after more than 10 days in hospital. “It is with deep grief that we announce that His Majesty King Harald has passed away,” the Royal Court said.Haakon, 53, became king immediately after his father’s death, while his daughter Ingrid Alexandra became Crown Princess and heir to the throne. Associated Press is reporting the new monarch as King Haakon VIII.Norway last crowned a monarch in 1906Haakon does not need a coronation to become king. Norway’s last coronation was held in 1906, when King Haakon VII and Queen Maud were crowned at Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.Harald and Queen Sonja instead chose a consecration at the same cathedral in 1991. The crowns were displayed during the ceremony but were not placed on their heads.The transition to Haakon’s reign will include an extraordinary Council of State and an oath before the Storting, Norway’s parliament. A consecration similar to Harald’s could be held later, according to news agency Reuters.Crown Prince Haakon had already stepped in for King HaraldBorn on July 20, 1973, Haakon is the second child and only son of Harald and Sonja. He became Crown Prince after the death of his grandfather King Olav V in 1991. As Harald’s health declined in recent years, Haakon increasingly took on his duties and served as regent whenever his father was unable to perform them.Haakon married Mette-Marit in 2001. They have two children, Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus. His accession comes as the royal family faces scrutiny over controversies involving Mette-Marit and her son from a previous relationship.Harald’s health worsened in hospitalHarald had been in hospital since August 17 after cortisone treatment for haemolytic anaemia caused fluid retention that required medical care.While in hospital, he developed a bacterial infection in his bloodstream and was treated with antibiotics. By August 27, his condition had become very serious, prompting Queen Sonja and Haakon to cancel their official engagements.Members of the royal family visited him in hospital as people gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo to pay their respects. The royal flag was lowered to half-mast following his death.Harald had faced several health problems in recent years. He underwent surgery for bladder cancer in 2003 and received a permanent pacemaker in 2024. Despite his declining health, he repeatedly rejected the idea of abdicating, maintaining that the oath he had taken as king was for life.Harald reshaped Norway’s monarchyHarald was born on February 21, 1937, and was three when Nazi Germany invaded Norway during the Second World War. He left the country with his mother and sisters, first for Sweden and later the United States, before returning in 1945.He became an accomplished sailor and represented Norway at three Olympic Games.Harald also challenged royal convention in his personal life. He and Sonja Haraldsen waited nine years for permission to marry before their wedding in 1968.He became king on January 17, 1991, following the death of his father, King Olav V, and went on to make the monarchy more informal and accessible during his 35-year reign.His role as a national figure became particularly visible after Anders Behring Breivik killed 77 people in attacks in Oslo and on the island of Utøya in 2011. Harald addressed the country as it mourned the victims.In 2016, he again drew attention with a speech embracing Norway’s religious, ethnic and sexual diversity.He is survived by Queen Sonja, their daughter Princess Märtha Louise, their son Haakon and six grandchildren.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.