King Harald V of Norway has died at the age of 89 on Friday, August 28, more than a week after being admitted to hospital in Oslo.
The monarch, who reigned over Norway for 35 years after acceding to the throne in 1991, passed away leaving his son Crown Prince Haakon to step into the role of sovereign.
King Charles III of the United Kingdom was among the first European heads of state to express his sorrow, stating that he learned of the death of his cousin with the deepest sadness. In an official statement, the British monarch joined the Norwegian nation in mourning, offering his most sincere and deepest condolences to Queen Sonja and the wider royal family.
Tributes from British and Scandinavian royalty
Highlighting the close historical and family ties uniting the United Kingdom and Norway, King Charles noted that their shared ancestry traces back to Queen Victoria. He described his late relative as a deeply loved friend whose kindness, compassion, and profound sense of duty resonated across the sea for decades, adding that Great Britain shared Norway's pain during this heartbreaking loss. Charles experienced a similar personal loss four years earlier when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, passed away in 2022.
In neighboring Sweden, King Carl XVI Gustaf paid tribute to his dear friend, whom he succeeds as the senior monarch among European sovereigns. Carl XVI Gustaf praised Harald as an exceptional representative of his country both as a statesman and as a successful athlete, noting that the late king had given everything for Norway throughout his life. The Swedish monarch, who has ruled since 1973, also offered his best wishes and full success to his godson Haakon as he assumes the crown for their brother nation.
King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark sent a personal letter to their Norwegian cousin, recalling that Harald had meant enormously to Frederik's mother, Queen Margrethe II, who abdicated in early 2024. They remembered Uncle Harald as an extraordinary man with a mischievous eye, a big heart, an unshakeable calm, and a dry sense of humor that put everyone around him at ease.
Condolences from Western European sovereigns
Former Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands joined her son King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima in honoring the memory of their special friendship with the Norwegian monarch. They highlighted unforgettable moments spent together exploring Oslo and northern Norway, noting that King Harald would be remembered for his ability to forge friendships and bring people together.
From Spain, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia offered their condolences with brotherly affection to the Norwegian royal family. Felipe, who is godfather to Norway's Princess Ingrid Alexandra, commended Harald for embodying responsibility, dignity, simplicity, and untiring dedication to Norway throughout his 35-year reign.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium remembered a sovereign who was deeply close to his people. They noted that his humor, humanity, and natural warmth made him a singular and beloved personality, emphasizing that their family ties gave their relationship a depth that went far beyond official state duties.
French presidential homage and succession
French President Emmanuel Macron also paid tribute to the late monarch, commending Harald for his constant efforts throughout his reign to strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties between Norway and France. Macron recalled the warm welcome he received during his official state visit to Oslo in June 2025.
With tributes pouring in from across Europe, Norway now enters a period of national mourning as Crown Prince Haakon takes up his duties as king, carrying forward his father's legacy of royal service.
