Fans and fellow royals are in mourning after the Norwegian royal household confirmed the death of King Harald V aged 89 on Friday. Harald V reigned for 35 years, from 17 January 1991 to 28 August 2025.
In a statement, the Norwegian royal household said: "It is with deep sorrow that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today. King Harald passed away peacefully at Rikshospitalet on Friday, August 28, at 06:35.
"He leaves behind his wife, Queen Sonja, 89, and children, Crown Prince Haakon, 53 and Princess Martha Louise, 54."
© GettySeveral European royals expressed their sadness with poignant tributes. Take a look...
Danish royals
King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark were among the first to post a message to King Haakon VIII on Instagram. They wrote: "Dear Haakon, It is with great sorrow that we have learned about the death of your father, His Majesty King Harald. We send our warmest thoughts and condolences to Aunt Sonja, to you and Mette-Marit, and to your family.
"Your father meant a great deal to my mother and both of us. With his warm and dry sense of humour and unwavering calm, Uncle Harald made others feel comfortable and at ease in his presence. He was an extraordinary man, with a twinkle in his eye and a big heart.
"For 35 years, King Harald was a strong unifying figure for the Norwegian people. He joined duty and responsibility with presence and compassion. He was cherished like few others, and he will be missed by many. The bonds between Denmark and Norway are strong. For generations, our families and our countries have been closely tied. Your father will stand as a symbol of that which binds us together.
"You now step into your role as king. It is one that we know you will bear with the same honour and dignity as your father. May faith, hope, and love follow you and give you strength on your journey."
Netherlands royals
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, along with Willem's mother Princess Beatrix, penned a message that read: "We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway. We will always carry the memory of our special friendship with him in our hearts.
"King Harald served his country with love, pride and dedication. The times we spent together exploring Oslo and further north were truly unforgettable. We are thankful, too, for how he embraced the Netherlands and the Dutch people. At this sad time our thoughts are with Queen Sonja, the Norwegian royal family and the Norwegian people. King Harald will be remembered for his capacity for friendship and bringing people together. Takk for alt."
Swedish royals
King Carl Gustaf of Sweden signed off this personal message on Instagram: "With great sorrow, my family and I have received the news that our dear friend, King Harald, has passed away.
King Harald's life story is exceptional; after the hardships of his childhood involving war and exile, he and his family were able to return to a free Norway and follow the country's fantastic development during the 20th century, and subsequently succeed his father as King of Norway.
"Both as a head of state and a successful athlete, King Harald was an outstanding representative for his country. He gave 'everything for Norway'. Throughout all these years, the King has been a good friend to me, my family, and to Sweden. King Harald is now mourned by many in our country.
"To Queen Sonja, my family and I today convey our deepest condolences. I wish my dear godson Haakon, who now succeeds his father as King of Norway, all happiness and success in his upcoming duties for our brother country and people."
King Harald's bond with European royals
King Harald shared a close bond with many of the European monarchs, including the late Queen Elizabeth II. Elizabeth was a second cousin to Harald and the pair shared the same great-grandparents, King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, who were the father and mother of Norway's own Queen Maud.
© GettyKing Harald and Queen Elizabeth II shared a close friendship, given their family ties. When she became monarch in 1952, Norway was the first country outside the Commonwealth where Elizabeth paid a state visit.
There's no denying how strong the bond between the two royal families is. When Germany invaded Norway in 1940, King Haakon and Queen Maud (King Harald's grandparents) left Norway with their family. They stayed in exile in London, bringing the Norwegian and British royal families even closer together.
© GettyWhen Queen Elizabeth II died, the Royal Palace noted that King Haakon reportedly had been the late Queen Elizabeth's favourite uncle as a child. She would always call him "Uncle Charles" as "Charles" is the English version of his original Danish name "Carl".
The palace also noted that she "named her first child (now King Charles III) after King Haakon". King Haakon had reigned in Norway until he died in 1957.
Meanwhile, King Harald V was also among the European royals to pay his respects to the late Queen at her state funeral in London in September 2022.
© GettyAfter her death, King Harald paid tribute in a statement: "For nearly a century, Her Majesty devoted her life to the service of the Commonwealth, following the British people through good days and bad, in times of happiness and sorrow. We also send our condolences to the British people."
He ended the message: "On a personal note, I am mourning the loss of a dear relative and confidant friend. Harald R."
A few months later, King Harald went on to congratulate King Charles and Queen Camilla on their coronation. He said: "Your Majesties, On the occasion of your Coronation, I wish to extend to Your Majesties my sincere congratulations and best wishes for yourselves and your family, and my hopes for the welfare and prosperity of the peoples of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth."
