Haakon VIII assumes throne after Harald V's death

King Haakon VIII has succeeded his father King Harald V, who died Friday after 35 years on the Norwegian throne.

By Middle East Affairs
September 2, 2026
Haakon VIII assumes throne after Harald V's death
Ilustrasi. (Foto: Ximonic (Simo Räsänen) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0))
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King Harald V of Norway died Friday after 35 years on the throne, ending one of Europe's longest modern monarchies. His son, King Haakon VIII, has now assumed the crown.

Transitions in monarchy typically generate public goodwill toward the institution, analysts say. Norway's new king will be hoping for such a boost following years of family difficulties that have complicated the royal household's public image.