President William Ruto/PCSPresident William Ruto has mourned the death of Norway’s King Harald V, describing him as an exceptional monarch whose life was defined by duty and devotion to his people.
King Harald V, Europe’s oldest reigning monarch, died aged 89 on Friday, August 28, 2026, after being hospitalised for treatment of haemolytic anaemia and a subsequent bacterial bloodstream infection.
He died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital, according to the Norwegian Royal Palace.
In a condolence message on Saturday, Ruto extended his sympathies to Queen Sonja, the Royal Family, the Norwegian Government and the people of Norway, saying Kenya shared in their grief.
“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.
The President praised King Harald’s more than 35 years on the Norwegian throne, describing his reign as one that mirrored the country’s transformation into a prosperous, stable and globally respected society.
Ruto said the late monarch remained a symbol of continuity, national unity, constitutional duty and public service during a period marked by significant social and global changes.
He also highlighted King Harald’s association with Norway’s commitment to democracy, good governance, human rights, peace, sustainable development and international solidarity.
According to Ruto, the King’s influence extended beyond Norway, with his reign helping strengthen the country’s engagement with Europe, Africa and the wider international community.
He said King Harald championed an outward-looking Norway committed to dialogue, human dignity, international cooperation and multilateralism.
“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 also linked the King’s death to Kenya’s longstanding relationship with Norway, recalling his official visit to the country in June 2026.
Ruto said he retained warm memories of the hospitality extended to his delegation during the June 8 and 9 visit, which he described as the first official visit to Norway by a Kenyan Head of State.
He particularly recalled his audience with Crown Prince Haakon at the Royal Palace, as well as the engagements he held with Norwegian leaders and the people of the country.
The visit, the president said, opened a new chapter in Kenya-Norway relations, strengthening cooperation in areas including peace and security, climate action, maritime affairs and the blue economy, trade and investment, sustainable development and multilateral cooperation.
He said these areas of cooperation reflected values associated with King Harald’s reign and Norway’s engagement with Kenya, Africa and the wider world.
“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 described the late monarch’s life as one of service, adding that Kenya would honour his memory by continuing to nurture the friendship between the two countries and deepen their partnership.
He wished Queen Sonja, the Royal Family and the people of Norway strength and consolation as they mourned the monarch.
“May His Majesty King Harald V rest in eternal peace,” Ruto concluded his statement.
