President William Ruto has joined Norway in mourning King Harald V, remembering the late monarch for a long reign that he said was marked by service to his country, national unity and a strong commitment to international cooperation.
Harald, who was Europe’s oldest reigning monarch, died aged 89 on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Oslo University Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for haemolytic anaemia before developing a bacterial bloodstream infection.
The Norwegian Royal Palace confirmed that the King died peacefully at the hospital.
In his message of condolence issued on Saturday, Ruto sent his sympathies to Queen Sonja, members of the Royal Family, the Norwegian Government and the people of Norway.
He said Kenya shared Norway’s sorrow following the death of the monarch.
“Kenya mourns with Norway the passing of an exceptional monarch whose life was defined by duty, dignity, humility and unwavering devotion to his people,” Ruto said.
Ruto said Harald’s more than 35 years as King coincided with Norway’s development into a prosperous, stable and well-regarded country.
He said the monarch offered continuity and helped foster national unity while carrying out his constitutional role and serving the public through a period of major changes both in Norway and across the world.
The President further recognised Harald’s association with Norway’s support for democracy, good governance, human rights, peace, sustainable development and international solidarity.
Ruto said the King also played a role in strengthening Norway’s links with Europe, Africa and other parts of the international community.
He described Harald’s approach as one that promoted dialogue, respect for human dignity and cooperation among nations.
“His life and reign helped reinforce the country's standing as a principled and trusted partner committed to peace, a rules-based international order and a more just and sustainable world,” Ruto said.
The President connected the King’s legacy to Kenya’s relationship with Norway, recalling his official trip to the Scandinavian country in June this year.
Ruto said the June 8 and 9 visit left him with warm memories of the reception extended to his delegation and marked the first official visit to Norway by a Kenyan Head of State.
He also recalled meeting Crown Prince Haakon at the Royal Palace, as well as holding discussions with Norwegian leaders and interacting with people during the visit.
According to Ruto, the trip helped open a fresh chapter in relations between Nairobi and Oslo, with both countries expanding cooperation across several areas.
These include peace and security, climate action, maritime affairs, the blue economy, trade and investment, sustainable development and multilateral cooperation.
Ruto said the areas of partnership reflected some of the values associated with Harald’s reign, as well as Norway’s engagement with Kenya, Africa and the wider international community.
“As Norway mourns and enters a new chapter in its national history, Kenya stands with the Royal Family, Government and people of Norway,” Ruto said.
The President said Kenya would remember Harald’s life of service by continuing to build on the friendship between the two nations and further strengthen their partnership.
He also wished Queen Sonja, the Royal Family and the people of Norway strength and comfort during the period of mourning.
“May His Majesty King Harald V rest in eternal peace,” Ruto said.