OSLO, Norway — Norway has entered a new chapter following the death of King Harald V, as thousands of mourners gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo to pay tribute to the monarch who reigned for more than three decades.
King Harald V died on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the age of 89. His death immediately triggered a royal succession, with his 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, becoming King Haakon VIII.
The transition happened automatically under Norway’s constitutional system, meaning there was no prolonged period of uncertainty over who would succeed Harald.
Thousands gather to say goodbye
Large crowds gathered around the Royal Palace in Oslo, laying flowers, embracing one another and offering condolences to the royal family.
Norwegian flags were lowered to half-mast as the country began a period of mourning. Churches and public buildings have also provided places where citizens can pay their respects and sign condolence books.
The scenes reflected the unusually close relationship Harald maintained with the Norwegian public throughout his reign.
Reuters reported that mourners lined the streets and gathered near the palace following the monarch’s death, while the Associated Press reported that tens of thousands of Norwegians have taken part in tributes across the country.
King Harald’s coffin has been placed at the Royal Palace as the nation prepares for the next stages of the mourning period.
A reign that lasted 35 years
Harald became king in 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V.
During his roughly 35-year reign, Harald became known for presenting the Norwegian monarchy as modern, accessible and closely connected to ordinary citizens.
He was also an accomplished sailor and represented Norway at three Olympic Games. His public image was shaped not only by royal tradition but also by his willingness to speak about inclusion, diversity and the importance of bringing Norwegians together.
CNA described Harald’s monarchy as one associated with “modernity and modesty,” while Reuters characterized him as a reformer who gradually established his own identity after initially living in the shadow of his popular father.
Haakon VIII takes over
With Harald’s death, Crown Prince Haakon immediately became Norway’s new monarch.
Now known as King Haakon VIII, the 53-year-old king delivered his first address to the Norwegian people, remembering his father as both a loving parent and a dedicated king.
Haakon pledged to serve Norway and carry forward the responsibilities of the monarchy.
His accession also means that a new generation of the Norwegian royal family moves into the spotlight. His wife, Mette-Marit, is now Queen, while their daughter, Ingrid Alexandra, becomes Crown Princess and heir apparent.
What happens to King Harald next?
Norway will observe several days of mourning before the late king’s state funeral.
Reuters reported that Harald is expected to be buried at the Royal Mausoleum at Akershus Fortress, where members of Norway’s royal family are laid to rest. The funeral is expected to take place at Oslo Cathedral, although a final date had not yet been announced in the latest reports.
The transition therefore goes beyond the death of a monarch. It marks the end of Harald V’s 35-year reign and the beginning of the Haakon VIII era.
For many Norwegians gathering outside the palace, however, the immediate priority is simpler: saying goodbye to a king who had been a familiar national figure for most of their lives.
And as the crowds continue to gather in Oslo, Norway is now preparing to discover what its new monarchy will look like under King Haakon VIII.
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