King Harald V died on 28 August 2026 at the age of 89, after more than three decades as King of Norway.

Throughout his reign, King Harald became a prominent voice for freedom, dialogue, diversity and tolerance. Following the terrorist attacks of 22 July 2011, he reaffirmed his belief that “freedom is stronger than fear.”

In his celebrated 2016 speech in the Palace Park, he portrayed a Norway with room for people of different backgrounds, faiths, identities and beliefs. His message was captured in the words:

“Norway is you. Norway is us.”

King Harald consistently emphasized community and respect for differences. In the face of hatred, extremism and violence, he stood for democracy, freedom of expression, human dignity and the right to be different.

He leaves behind a powerful vision of an open and inclusive Norway — a society where freedom is stronger than fear, and dialogue stronger than hatred.