King Harald of Norway has died at the age of 89, the Norwegian Royal Court announced. He was the oldest reigning monarch in Europe and had been on the throne since 1991.
The late king has been succeeded by his son, now King Haakon VIII. The Norwegian Royal Court said the King passed away at Rikshospitalet in Oslo.
Seven European countries with monarchs
While Monaco, Liechtenstein and Andorra do not officially have monarchs, they are led by Prince Albert II, Prince Hans-Adam II and Andorra's Co-Princes Emmanuel Macron and Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat. Luxembourg is headed by Grand Duke Guillaume.
Following King Harald's death, the Daily Express looks at seven countries that still have monarchs.
King Charles III
King Charles III became monarch of the United Kingdom on September 8, 2022. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was formerly the second-longest reigning monarch in world history. The King was crowned on May 6, 2023, eight months later. Prior to his accession, he was the longest-serving Prince of Wales. At the time of writing, King Charles has been monarch for 3 years and 11 months.
King Felipe VI of Spain
King Felipe VI is the current monarch of Spain. He ascended the throne on June 19, 2014, alongside his wife, Queen Letizia. His father, Juan Carlos I, was monarch from 1975 until his abdication in 2014. The King's daughter, 20-year-old Princess Leonor of Spain, is the current heir to the Spanish throne.
Carl XVI Gustaf
Carl XVI Gustaf, born on April 30, 1946, is the current monarch of Sweden. He ascended the throne on September 15, 1973. Carl XVI Gustaf is the seventh King of the House of Bernadotte and the longest reigning monarch in Swedish history. His heir is Crown Princess Victoria, Duchess of Vastergotland. Following King Harald's death, he is now the oldest monarch in Europe.
King Haakon VIII
King Haakon VIII is the current monarch of Norway. He ascended the throne on August 28, 2026, following the death of his father, King Harald. The late monarch's death was announced with a statement. The heir to the throne is the King's 22-year-old daughter, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway. King Haakon's wife, Sonja, is now Queen.
Frederik X of Denmark
Frederik X is the current monarch of Denmark. His mother, former Danish Queen Margrethe II, announced her decision to step down as monarch during her annual New Year's Eve speech on December 31, 2023. In the address, the royal cited her health and thoughts after undergoing back surgery at the start of 2023 as reasons for the decision. The King and Queen of Denmark officially took on their roles on January 14, 2024.
