Harald V Dies; Haakon VIII Becomes King

King Harald V of Norway died at 89 on August 28, with the palace announcing he passed peacefully at Oslo University Hospital after health deterioration. He had been hospitalized since August 17 for hemolytic anemia, with a history of bladder cancer surgery in 2003, and his death ends his 35-year reign as Europe’s oldest reigning monarch. His passing triggers the automatic succession of his son, Crown Prince Haakon, who becomes King Haakon VIII, while Queen Sonja and other officials prepare for the transition. Harald was a renowned sailor who represented Norway in three Olympic Games and remained a prominent ceremonial head of state since 1991. The farewell drew tributes from European leaders and widespread public mourning, with flags at half-mast and national ceremonies planned. Crowds gathered outside the royal residence as Norway acknowledged the loss and prepared for a period of mourning.