King Harald V of Norway died on the morning of 28 August in a hospital in Oslo at the age of 89. The royal court announced the monarch’s death. Harald V had reigned since 1991 and had been in hospital for the past few weeks due to health problems. Following his death, the throne passed to his son, King Haakon VIII.
Briefly about the main points
- Harald V died on 28 August at the age of 89.
- The monarch was in hospital due to health problems.
- The Royal Court has confirmed the time of death: 06:35.
- Haakon VIII has become the new King of Norway.
- Ingrid Alexandra became Crown Princess and heir to the throne.
The King has been in hospital for the past few weeks
The Royal Court has clarified that Harald V He died at 06:35 at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet. He ascended the throne following the death of his father, the King Olava V, in 1991, and remained head of the Norwegian monarchy for 35 years.
In recent weeks, the monarch’s health had required hospital treatment. Prior to his most recent admission, the royal household had reported, amongst other things, that he was being treated for haemolytic anaemia and fluid retention.
Gåkon VIII became the new King of Norway
The throne automatically passed to the son of the late monarch, who had previously served as regent. The eldest daughter of the new king Ingrid Alexandra was granted the title of Crown Princess and became first in line to the throne.
Norway is a constitutional monarchy: real political power lies with the elected parliament and government, whilst the King performs mainly representative and ceremonial functions. A change of monarch does not interrupt the work of the institution of the Head of State.
