King Harald: Norwegian royal family follows coffin to Royal Palace, tributes pour in, and more updates

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We've been closely following the health of King Harald of Norway, and now we are sad to report that his condition has worsened and now his family have chosen to cancel all royal engagements and gather at his bedside at Oslo University Hospital. 

His wife Queen Sonja and his son Crown Prince Haakon and his own wife Crown Princess Mette-Marit are said to be with the 89-year-old royal. The King was hospitalised for a rare blood condition called haemolytic anaemia and a bacterial blood infection. 

The Norwegian Palace issued an update on his health today which read: "His Majesty the King's health condition is extremely serious."

Following the news, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said in a comment to French news agency AFP: "I stand together with the entire country as we now send our warmest thoughts to the king and the rest of the royal family."

"I am confident that the king is being well taken care of, and that he is receiving good and compassionate treatment."

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The King of Norway has experienced multiple health setbacks in the past few years. Just recently, during a winter holiday in Tenerife, Spain with his wife Queen Sonja, the 89-year-old monarch was hospitalized. The king was admitted to Hospital Universitario Hospiten Sur on 24 February, where he was treated for an infection and dehydration.

Harald was then discharged on 26 February, and this occasion was not the first time the King had required medical care abroad.

In late February of 2024, the Norwegian monarch fell ill while holidaying in Malaysia, and was admitted to a hospital with an infection. There, he had a temporary pacemaker implanted due to a low heart rate. The royal was medically transported back home to Norway, where he received a permanent pacemaker.

Harald is now 'on sick leave' from his royal duties, being cared for at Oslo University Hospital. His condition is said to be "extremely serious".

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While we await further news about King Harald's condition, following the update that senior royals have gathered at his bedside, back at his palace, members of the public have started to gather. Photographs show that people have begun leaving floral tributes and candles outside of the iconic royal residence, The Royal Palace in Oslo.

The hospital where the monarch is currently staying is located a 10-minute drive from the palace. King Harald's wife Queen Sonja and son Crown Prince Haakon are said to be by his side. 

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King Harald, 89, was hospitalised with haemolytic anaemia which can be a mild condition but can also turn into a life-threatening medical emergency. What is haemolytic anaemia?

Haemolytic anaemia causes the number of red blood cells in the body to be reduced, leading to fatigue and shortness of breath.

The sole cause is not always obvious, but it can be caused by infections, other autoimmune conditions or certain drugs. 

Symptoms may include breathlessness, feeling tired, heart palpitations or chest pain. 

Those who have had the disease for a while may start to develop physical symptoms such as yellowish skin. 

Treatment plans usually involve immunosuppressant drugs such as steroids. 

The monarch's condition is said to be "extremely serious" at present, with his family gathered around him. 

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It is not just King Harald who has health struggles in recent months, other members of the Norwegian royal family have also been suffering. Harald's sister, Princess Astrid of Norway, 94, was rushed to hospital in May and ended up undergoing heart surgery. Before that, she also had a bout of pneumonia. In latest updates, she is said to be active again following the surgery. 

Meanwhile, Harald's daughter-in-law Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway underwent a successful lung transplant at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet in June. Diagnosed with chronic pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, her condition progressed last year and she was pictured using an oxygen tube on more than one occasion before her transplant.

Following the surgery, Are Holm, Head of the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, said: "The Crown Princess's condition is as good as can be expected under the circumstances."

In addition, Durek Verrett, who married Princess Martha Louise of Norway, has recently undergone a successful kidney transplant a year after revealing he required dialysis several times a week "just to stay alive". This took place at the same hospital where King Harald is admitted. 

King Harald's deteriorating condition is being monitored closely, and his beloved family are gathered by his side. The monarch is just days away from celebrating his 58th wedding anniversary with wife Queen Sonja of Norway, which takes place on Saturday.

In 1968, the couple said 'I do' in Oslo Cathedral. The couple had dated for nine years but there was controversy over their romance, as Sonja was a commoner. 

In a break from royal tradition, Sonja wore a silk wedding gown by Norwegian department store, Molstad and wore flowers in her hair instead of a tiara to secure her veil. 

Harald told his father Olav that if he was not allowed to marry Sonja he would not marry at all. This would have been a disaster as it would have ended the reign of his family and the Norwegian monarchy, as Harald was the sole heir to the throne. 

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Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store has cancelled his visit to Germany as King Harald V's health is in “very serious” condition.

This follows Crown Prince Regent Haakon and Queen Sonja cancelling all scheduled engagements.

Prime Minister Store was going to participate in a strategic meeting of German parliamentary leaders along with a working dinner with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

King Harald is being treated for haemolytic anaemia which can be a mild condition but can also turn into a life-threatening medical emergency. 

Haemolytic anaemia causes the number of red blood cells in the body to be reduced, leading to fatigue and shortness of breath.

More of King Harald's family members have dashed to his side as the 89-year-old royal remains in hospital. Princess Astrid, 94,the King's elder sister and Queen Sonja, 89, Harald's wife of 58 years, have been photographed arriving to be with the King as he is being treated for a rare blood condition called haemolytic anaemia and a bacterial blood infection. 

Sonja and Astrid have joined Princess Märtha Louise and her daughter, Leah Isadora Behn, who were photographed on her way into Rikshospitalet.

On Thursday morning, just after 9 a.m., the Royal House announced that King Harald's health had deteriorated. Several members of the royal family have been seen visiting the king during the day, including the Crown Prince and Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 20, as well as Marius Borg Høiby, who is currently under house arrest.

Queen Sonja came to the hospital where her husband is being treated on Thursday morning, shortly after the Crown Prince and Princess arrived. Shortly afterwards, Princess Astrid arrived in her own car. Then Prince Sverre Magnus arrived alone in a black Volkswagen. Ingrid Alexandra arrived not long after her brother. Marius Borg Høiby, 29, was at the hospital around 10:30.

According to the Norwegian outlet VG, at approximately 4:02 p.m., the Crown Prince couple, Ingrid Alexandra and Sverre Magnus, left the hospital. Meanwhile, Marius is reported to have left at 3:52 pm through the main entrance. The last person to arrive at Rikshospitalet was Leah Isadora Behn, 21, who arrived just after 1:00 p.m.

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King Harald's condition is said to have remained "unchanged" according to official communications of the Norwegian Royal Family.

The King has had his family members by his side on Thursday, while he is being treated for Haemolytic anaemia, which causes the number of red blood cells in the body to be reduced, leading to fatigue and shortness of breath, but can be  a life-threatening medical emergency

While her grandfather is in the hospital, it was business as usual for Leah Behn, the daughter of Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, who completed her first day of dance rehearsals for Skal Vi Danse, Norway's answer to Dancing with the Stars.

While reported to be at the hospital, Leah posted a selfie alongside her professional partner, Andreas Holsthiim, following their first rehearsal together. 

"Forste trening done," she wrote alongside the image, which was likely taken before her visit to the hospital.

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With the King in the hospital, well-wishers have been gathering outside the Royal Palace in Oslo, laying flowers and showing their support. A framed drawing of Europe's oldest living monarch, who ascended the throne in 1991, was placed among the flowers. No additional update has been shared since the Royal House announced that the King's "health condition is unchanged," and that both the Crown Prince's trip to Færder National Park and the Queen's trip to Trøndelag had been canceled. 

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According NRK, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit returned to the hospital on Thursday evening (7:37 p.m local time), minutes after Queen Sonja left Rikshospitalet. The Queen was pictured wearing sunglasses as she sat in the backseat of a vehicle. Her husband has now been hospitalized for over a week. Earlier in the day, Aug. 27, the Queen and her son canceled all their programs.

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The Crown Prince Couple's daughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra and son Prince Sverre Magnus were photographed earlier leaving the hospital after spending time with their paternal grandfather. The Princess is currently second in line to the Norwegian throne, behind her father Crown Prince Haakon, while the Prince is third. While she is a student at the University of Sydney, the Princess is studying this fall as an exchange student at the University of Oslo.

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While his father-in-law is in the hospital, Shaman Durek Verrett took to Instagram on Thursday to repost a photo of a neon sign that read: "Who cares what miserable people think of you."

It was revealed just the day before that the King's son-in-law had undergone a kidney transplant at Oslo University Hospital following a "prolonged period of kidney disease and waiting for a donor organ."

In a joint statement, Durek and Princess Märtha Louise said: "First and foremost, we feel an enormous sense of gratitude toward the person who was willing to become a donor. It is difficult to put into words what such a gift means."

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After returning to the hospital with Crown Prince Haakon on Thursday evening, Crown Princess Mette-Marit was seen departing Rikshospitalet sans her husband. NRK reported that the royal mom of three left the hospital shortly after 10 p.m. local time, while the King's son, who is the heir to the Norwegian throne, stayed behind.  

The Norwegian royal family's official social media page has been flooded with tributes following the passing of King Harald. 

One person penned a touching message: "Our dear lovely king. May you rest in peace here your majesty," while another added: "The king, and all of Norway's grandfather, thank you for everything."

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King Harald V of Norway has died at the age of 89, the palace has confirmed.

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."

The King and Queen of Denmark, King Frederik X and Queen Mary, have paid tribute to King Harald following his death aged 89. 

Addressing his son, King Haakon VIII, the royal couple penned a heartfelt message on social media. 

"Dear Haakon, It is with great sorrow that we have received the news of your father, His Majesty King Harald's, death," the statement began. "Our warmest thoughts go to Aunt Sonja, to you and Mette-Marit, and to the rest of your family.

"Your father has meant a great deal to my mother and to us. Uncle Harald, with his subtle humor and steadfast calmness, could make anyone feel relaxed in his company. He was a fine human being with a twinkle in his eye and a big heart.

"For 35 years, King Harald was a solid unifying figure for the Norwegian people. He combined duty and responsibility with presence and humanity. He was well-liked by few others and will be missed by many.

"The Danish-Norwegian bonds are strong. For generations, our families and countries have been closely connected. Your father stands as a beautiful symbol of everything that helps bind us together. You now step into your role as king. It is a responsibility that we are convinced you will bear with the same honor and dignity as your father.

"May faith, hope, and love follow you and give you strength on your way. Their Majesties The King and The Queen."

Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has praised King Harald's "unwavering faith" in the Norwegian people in a statement shared to social media. 

"A whole nation is in mourning and the people of Norway ⁠are left with a deep sense of gratitude for a long life in the service of Norway," he wrote. "For more than three decades as monarch, Harald V demonstrated an unwavering faith in the Norwegian people. He helped us to see the best in ourselves – and in one another.

"My thoughts and deepest sympathy are ‌with ⁠the Queen and the entire Royal Family at this difficult time."

See the post below. 

The King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf has paid tribute to his "good friend" King Harald. 

"Throughout the years, King Harald has been a good friend to me, my ⁠family, and to Sweden," the 80-year-old said in a statement. "King Harald is now mourned by many in our country."I wish my dear Godson Haakon, ⁠who now succeeds his father as head of state, success and good fortune in the important ⁠role that lies ahead of him, in service to our brother nation and its people."

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King Harald's funeral will be held in Oslo funeral. He will be laid to rest in the royal mausoleum of the Akershus fortress, a medieval castle in Oslo, alongside his ancestors. 

The late monarch will lie close to his mother, Crown Princess Martha, his father King Olav, his grandmother Queen ⁠Maud and his grandfather King Haakon.

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King Charles has paid tribute to his "dear cousin", King Harald, who died aged 89 on Friday. 

A special musical tribute will be played at the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace today.

In a statement, the 77-year-old British royal wrote: "It is with the most profound sadness that my wife and I have learned of the death of my dear cousin, King Harald V of Norway.

"For thirty-five years, King Harald served his people with unwavering dedication, guiding Norway through times of great change with warmth and humility.

"As Norway mourns the loss of so towering a figure, my whole family join in remembering a much-loved kinsman and friend whose kindness, compassion and deep sense of duty echoed from across the sea and across the decades.

"The United Kingdom and Norway share particularly close historical and family ties, with Britain one of the first countries to recognise Norwegian independence and establish diplomatic relations in 1905.

"These special bonds were even further strengthened during the dreadful trials of the Second World War and help to bind our two countries together.

"The Queen and I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Queen Sonja and all her family, as Britain shares in Norway’s grief at this time of such heartbreaking loss. Charles R."

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King Harald had been at Oslo's University hospital since 17 August, where he was being treated for haemolytic anaemia, a condition that causes the number of red blood cells in the body to be reduced, leading to fatigue and shortness of breath.

Members of his family, including his son, the now King Haakon VIII, his wife Queen Sonja and older sister, Princess Astrid, all visited him at the hospital in recent days. 

The palace had announced on Thursday that Harald's health had deteriorated and that he was in an "extremely serious" condition. 

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Following the death of his father, King Harald, the former Crown Prince Haakon is now King Haakon VIII.

Born on 20 July 1973 at The National Hospital in St Hanshaugen, Oslo, Haakon is the second child of King Harald V and Queen Sonja. He became the crown prince at only 17 years old following the death of his grandfather King Olav.

The now 53-year-old, who studied at the University of California, Berkeley, married Queen Mette-Marit in 2001 and had two children — Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, alongside Marius, Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship.

Find out more about the new king here. 

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Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 20, is now the heir to the Norwegian throne following the death of her grandfather King Harald V. 

She is the first female heir in 600, with Queen Margaret, who died in 1412, the last female monarch. 

Princess Ingrid's father, Haakon, became king the moment his father passed away. He is Norway's fourth king since the country gained ⁠full independence from Sweden in 1905. 

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As well as sharing his condolences with a public message, King Charles honoured the passing of King Harald in another special way.

At Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyrood House. The British flag will remain at half-mast until 8 pm.

Charles and Harald had a close bond and were second cousins. King Harald’s grandfather, King Haakon VII, was one of King Charles’s godfathers. 

Charles and Harald frequently supported each other through their life as royals. In recent years, King Harald and Queen Sonja were visible figures of support for Charles during both the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and Charles's coronation in 2023

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King Haakon has been photographed alongside his wife, Queen Mette-Marit, leaving the national hospital in Oslo, following the death of King Harald.

The pair could be seen in the back of a car, dressed in all black in honour of his passing. 

The King was among his family on Thursday, who all rushed to King Harald's bedside during the final hours of his life

The Queen was last seen departing Rikshospitalet on Thursday evening at around 10 p.m. local time, while Haakon stayed behind. It would seem Mette-Marit made a low-key return to the hospital hours later. 

After King Harald's passing at the age of 89, Norway's King Haakon and Queen Mette-Marit have now been ushered in.

But despite being the head of the country, Mette-Marit had a rather unconventional past.

When single mother Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby first fell in love with Crown Prince Haakon, her late father-in-law famously defended her "wild past," praising her as an "extraordinary girl" embarking on an extraordinary life. 

From her admitted 'wild past' and Epstein scandal to ascending the throne, read all about the controversy surrounding Norway's new Queen Mette-Marit in a detailed piece written by our US Royal Correspondent, Alex Hurtado.

Read Alex's full piece here.

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Just over an hour after being photographed leaving the hospital, King Haakon has arrived at the Royal Palace in Oslo to meet with the Norwegian government, alongside his daughter and heir to the throne, Princess Ingrid.

Haakon changed out of his black mourning clothes into his military uniform, while Princess Ingrid wore black and was pictured looking thoughtful in the back of the car.

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The  Norwegian government has now gathered for a cabinet meeting at the Royal Palace in Oslo.

During the meeting, they will meet with the new King, following King Harald's death at age 89 on Friday morning.  

According to Norwegian outlet VG, it is expected that Haakon will formally inform the public about the king's death and that he is ready to take office, with his heir, Princess Ingrid, also present.

The new king will likely also inform about which royal name and electoral language he will take, which he will decide himself.