World · 1 day ago

King Haakon VIII takes Norway's throne after father Harald V dies

King Harald V of Norway died peacefully in hospital at 89 on Friday morning, after being treated for a rare blood condition. His son, Haakon VIII, immediately became the new monarch, the fourth king since Norway's modern monarchy was restored in 1905. King Haakon is scheduled to convene an extraordinary council of state alongside government ministers later today.

By BriefTea Editorial · 28 August 2026 at 16:44

Reported by BBC · How we write briefs

Get the app

Understand this story

How does succession work? What is a Council of State? What is a 'rare blood condition'? When did Norway get a king?

More briefs

WorldArizona desert deaths of 19 migrants last month hit a two-year record WorldFar-right party wins first lower-house seat in Western Australia WorldMasked Israeli settlers attacked homes in West Bank's Qusra on Saturday WorldCanada installs giant sign after Trump renames Lake Ontario WorldGunmen attack Niger's Niamey airport and presidential palace WorldNorway's new King Haakon remembers his father Harald V in first speech More world stories → Browse all stories →