OSLO: Norway’s King Harald V, the country’s long-serving monarch who became known for his unifying approach and reform-minded outlook, has died aged 89, the Royal Palace announced on Friday.
King Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35am local time on August 28, according to the palace.
He had been receiving treatment at the hospital since August 17 for haemolytic anaemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced.
His death brings to an end more than three decades of his reign. Crown Prince Haakon, 53, succeeds his father as Norway’s king.
Flags at the Royal Palace in Oslo were lowered to half-mast following the announcement, while members of the public gathered outside the palace to pay their respects and leave flowers.
Pakistan expresses condolences
Pakistan’s leadership expressed deep sorrow over the Norwegian monarch’s death. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed condolences to the Norwegian royal family on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, saying the country stood in solidarity with Norway at a time of profound loss.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway. On behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Norway.
As Norway mourns this profound loss, the people of Pakistan stand in…— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) August 28, 2026
He described King Harald as a monarch who would be remembered for his lifelong dedication to his country and offered prayers for the Norwegian people.
President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed his condolences to Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, the royal family and the people of Norway.
President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of King Harald V of Norway. He extended heartfelt condolences to Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, the Royal Family and the people of Norway, paying tribute to King Harald’s long and dedicated service to Norway…
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) August 28, 2026
According to a statement from the Presidency, Zardari paid tribute to Harald’s long and dedicated service to Norway and his contribution towards strengthening relations between Pakistan and Norway.
A popular and unifying monarch
Harald ascended the Norwegian throne in 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V. Over the years, he developed a reputation for being approachable, modest and committed to bringing together a diverse Norwegian society.
His death prompted an outpouring of public grief in Oslo, with people describing him as a steady and inclusive figure who remained widely respected regardless of their views on the monarchy.
Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store cancelled a planned work trip to Germany on Thursday after the palace announced that the king’s condition had become extremely serious.
Harald had faced several health problems in recent years. He underwent treatment for various illnesses, had a pacemaker fitted and reduced his official duties, but repeatedly ruled out abdication.
He had previously said that he regarded his role as a lifelong commitment after taking an oath before Norway’s parliament.
Final days
The Royal Palace announced on Thursday that Harald’s condition had deteriorated severely, prompting members of his immediate family to gather at his bedside.
Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, Haakon’s wife Mette-Marit and their adult children spent much of the day at the hospital. Norwegian media reported that Haakon remained with his father overnight.
The king had been hospitalised earlier this year after suffering an infection and dehydration while on a private holiday with Queen Sonja in Tenerife.
Queen Sonja, also 89, was briefly hospitalised in May because of heart-related problems.
Challenges for the royal family
The Norwegian royal family has faced several controversies and personal difficulties over the past year. Crown Prince Haakon’s wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has faced scrutiny over her past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein, the late American financier and convicted sex offender.
Documents released in the United States earlier this year showed correspondence between the two during the period from 2011 to 2014.
Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, has also been the subject of significant media attention because of legal proceedings.
READ ALSO: Norway’s King Harald Receives Pacemaker in Malaysia After Falling Ill
He was sentenced in June to four years in prison after being convicted of two rapes and 32 other offences, including violence against a former partner. He has appealed the conviction.
Mette-Marit, who has suffered from a serious lung condition, underwent a lung transplant in July. Despite the controversies surrounding some members of the family, the Norwegian monarchy remains broadly popular.
Harald’s reputation for humility, accessibility and social unity was widely regarded as a major factor behind the institution’s enduring public support.
With his death, Crown Prince Haakon now takes the throne, beginning a new chapter for Norway’s royal family.
