Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon VIII Becomes King of Norway Following the Death of King Harald V
- On Friday, August 28, 2026, King Harald V died at 89 at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, immediately succeeded him as King Haakon VIII, marking a major generational transition for Norway's monarchy.
- Having served as regent during his father's declining health, Haakon spent decades preparing for the throne. Educated at Berkeley and the London School, he now assumes constitutional duties previously performed alongside his father.
- Under Norway's 1990 gender-neutral succession rules, 22-year-old Princess Ingrid Alexandra is now heir apparent. She stands directly behind her father, while her brother, Prince Sverre Magnus, 20, is second in line to the throne.
- Haakon begins his reign amid public scrutiny regarding the wider royal family, including the four-year prison sentence of his stepson, Marius Borg. The new monarch must now navigate these controversies while maintaining public connection.
- The Royal Palace lowered its flag to half-mast as Norway mourns King Harald. The country now enters a new royal era under its new king, who spent more than three decades emphasizing unity during his reign.
134 Articles
134 Articles
After King Harald V’s death, what comes next for Norway’s scandal-prone royals?
By Billy Stockwell, Rob Picheta, CNN (CNN) — The death of a monarch can boost national unity, and support for the crown. Norway’s new King Haakon VIII will be hoping that sentiment rings true following the death of his father, King Harald who died Friday after 35 years on the throne, marking the latest blow
King Haakon shows himself for the first time in his new role. At an extraordinary cabinet meeting in the Oslo royal castle, his daughter, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, sits directly by his side.
‘As far away as possible’: Why Norway’s new King Haakon once fled royal life for California
Norway's new King Haakon VIII ascended the throne after his father's death. He once sought distance from royal life and its constant public attention. Haakon found freedom and a sense of self while living in California. His marriage to Mette-Marit brought him closer to public engagement. The new king now faces family scrutiny and institutional challenges.
Following the death of Harald V, the new Norwegian king was today succeeded by his son Haakon Magnus. He officially notified the government of his father's death at the Royal Palace in Oslo today. He took the name Haakon VIII as the new Norwegian monarch, the government announced, according to foreign press agencies.
Norway: Haakon, popular heir of fragile monarchy
Norway’s new king, Haakon VII, has spent years mired in controversy
With his father’s passing early this morning, Crown Prince Haakon is now Norway’s King Haakon VII. He steps into the role in a moment of enormous personal crisis, which we’ve been discussing for years now. In 2024, Haakon’s stepson Marius Borg Hoiby – someone Haakon had raised since boyhood – was arrested for assaulting a […] Source
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