Harald V, King Of Norway And Former Olympian, Dead At 89
Harald V, King Of Norway And Former Olympian, Dead At 89
Tzvi MachlinSat, August 29, 2026 at 9:30 PM UTC
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Europe lost both its oldest monarch and a former Olympian on Saturday as King Harald V of Norway passed away. He was 89 years old.
King Harald passed away early Friday morning and his son was subsequently coronated as King Haakon VIII, who announced his father’s passing in his first address to the nation as their new king. Harald has reigned since January 1991 following the passing of his father, Olav V.
“Yesterday morning at 6:35, His Majesty King Harald V, my father, whom I loved so dearly, passed away. We are grieving. At the same time, it brings us comfort and strength to know that so many are grieving with us. It has been a powerful and moving experience to see the Palace Square filled with people, flowers, messages and candles. Thank you so much,” King Haakon said in his address.
“The Sailor King”
Decades before he ascended to the throne of Norway though, Harald had been a passionate sports sailor and represented his country in the 1964, 1968 and 1972 Olympics in various sailing competitions. Though he never medaled at the Olympics, his sailing crew went on to enjoy championship success during the 1980s, winning a World Championship in 1987 and silver and bronze medals in 1982 and 1988 respectively.
Even after ascending to king, Harald remained a passionate competitive sailor, participating in the 2007 World Championship at the age of 70 and finishing sixth in the competition.
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Harald served as Norway’s flagbearer in the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo and helped organized the 1994 Winter Olympics in his nation’s city of Lillehammer.
(Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
The International Olympic Committee paid tribute to the late king after his passing:
“The IOC is deeply saddened by the passing of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway, a three-time Olympian in sailing and Norway’s flagbearer at the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games. A great supporter of the Olympic Movement, King Harald V declared open two Games editions in Lillehammer: the 1994 Olympic Winter Games and the 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games. His legacy will continue to inspire generations across the Olympic world. Our sincere condolences to his entire family and the people of Norway.”
Our hearts go out to King Harald’s family and loved ones.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Aug 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the Olympics section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
