Prime Minister Barzani Mourns Death Of Norway's King Harald V
KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani extends condolences to Norway's Royal Family after the death of King Harald V, Europe's oldest reigning monarch, at 89.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region Masrour Barzani on Friday extended condolences to the Royal Family and people of Norway following the death of King Harald V, expressing sorrow over the loss of the 89-year-old King in a message posted on X.
"I am saddened to learn of the passing of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Norway during this time of profound loss. May his memory and legacy continue to endure," Prime Minister Barzani wrote.
I am saddened to learn of the passing of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Norway during this time of profound loss. May his memory and legacy continue to endure.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) August 28, 2026
Royal Court Confirms the King's Passing
The Royal Palace in Oslo announced earlier Friday that King Harald V, the oldest reigning monarch in Europe, had died after a struggle with illness. With his death, the throne passes automatically to his son, Crown Prince Haakon, 53.
The Royal Court said in a statement: "With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of His Majesty King Harald today. The King died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday morning, Aug. 28, at 6:35 a.m." Following the announcement, flags were lowered over the Royal Palace and official buildings across Oslo in a gesture of national mourning.
The late king had been hospitalized since Aug. 17 after being diagnosed with hemolytic anemia, an illness that destroys red blood cells faster than the body can replace them, causing severe fatigue and shortness of breath. His condition deteriorated rapidly on Thursday, described by the palace as "critical," prompting members of the royal family — including Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon and his family, to remain at his bedside until his final moments.
King Harald V ascended to the Norwegian throne in 1991. His final years in power were marked by significant health challenges, including the installation of a pacemaker and a reduction in his official duties. Despite the health pressures, the king remained committed to his position, ruling out abdication and affirming his constitutional oath before the Norwegian Parliament to serve the country "for life."
The king's declining health also disrupted the government's schedule. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre canceled an official working trip to Germany that had been planned for Thursday morning in order to follow developments surrounding the king's health.
Norway is expected to begin official funeral arrangements in the coming hours, along with preparations for the enthronement of the new king, as condolence messages continue to arrive from world leaders following the passing of one of Europe's most prominent royal figures.