King Harald V of Norway Dies at 89 After Health Decline

King Harald V of Norway passed away on August 28, 2026, at the age of 89 following a severe deterioration in his health. He had been hospitalized just a week prior at the National Hospital in Oslo due to a rare blood disease. In the final 24 hours, members of the royal family visited him, and crowds laid flowers at the palace. The royal palace announced that Harald died peacefully. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, will succeed him as king.

President of Israel Isaac Herzog expressed condolences, praising Harald for his 35 years of dedicated service and the mutual love between the king and his people. Harald was notable as the first Norwegian-born king since the 14th century and was widely regarded as a unifying and modernizing figure who broke tradition by marrying a commoner. He was affectionately called the "grandfather of the nation" and "the people's king."

In recent years, Harald and his family faced health challenges and controversies, including the connection of his daughter-in-law Mette-Marit to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the conviction of his son Marius Borg Høiby for rape. Harald is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Queen Sonja, their daughter Princess Märtha Louise, son King Haakon, and six grandchildren.