28/08/2026
π³π΄ποΈ REST IN PEACE, HIS MAJESTY KING HARALD V
With profound sadness, we join the people of Norway π³π΄ and the international community in mourning the passing of His Majesty King Harald V, who died peacefully on 28 August 2026, at the age of 89.
Born on 21 February 1937, King Harald was the son of King Olav V and Crown Princess MΓ€rtha, and the grandson of King Haakon VII. His childhood was profoundly shaped by the Second World War; after the German invasion of Norway in 1940, he and his family spent years in exile before returning to Norway in 1945. οΏ½
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King Harald became Crown Prince in 1957 following the death of his grandfather, King Haakon VII. He later succeeded his father, King Olav V, becoming King of Norway on 17 January 1991. He was formally consecrated at Nidaros Cathedral later that year. οΏ½
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For more than 35 years on the throne, King Harald served as a symbol of continuity, unity and national identity. His motto, inherited from his father and grandfather, was:
βAlt for Norgeβ β βWe give our all for Norway.β
Beyond his royal duties, King Harald was known for his deep love of sport, sailing and nature. He competed internationally in sailing and represented Norway at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He was also strongly committed to environmental causes and helped establish the Norwegian branch of WWF. οΏ½
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He married Queen Sonja in 1968, after a relationship that challenged traditional expectations because she was a commoner. Together they built a family that became an important part of modern Norwegian public life. οΏ½
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King Harald was also remembered for his compassion during moments of national tragedy. After the attacks of 22 July 2011, he became an important voice of comfort and unity for the Norwegian people. οΏ½
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Today, we remember not only a king, but a man who devoted decades of his life to serving his country.
May his legacy of duty, humility, service and love for Norway continue to inspire generations.
π³π΄ Our heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty Queen Sonja, the Royal Family, the people of Norway, and all who mourn this great loss.
ποΈ REST IN PEACE, KING HARALD V
21 February 1937 β 28 August 2026
A King has passed. A legacy remains.
May he rest in eternal peace. ποΈπ³π΄
π³π΄