President William Ruto has conveyed Kenya’s condolences to the Royal Family, Government, and people of Norway following the passing of His Majesty King Harald V, describing him as an exceptional monarch whose life was defined by duty, dignity, humility, and unwavering devotion to his people.
In a message of condolence dated August 29, 2026, Ruto said Kenya mourns alongside Norway the loss of a king who left behind an extraordinary legacy spanning more than 35 years on the Norwegian throne.
“King Harald leaves behind an extraordinary legacy spanning more than 35 years on the Norwegian throne. His remarkable life mirrored Norway’s own journey, from a young Prince whose family experienced exile during the Second World War to a monarch who presided over Norway’s consolidation as one of the world’s most prosperous, stable and globally respected societies,” Ruto said.
The President noted that throughout profound social and global change, King Harald remained a symbol of continuity, national unity, constitutional duty, and public service, with his reign reflecting Norway’s enduring commitment to democracy, good governance, human rights, peace, sustainable development, and international solidarity.
Ruto also highlighted the King’s global legacy, noting that he 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,” he said.
The President noted that King Harald’s passing carries particular significance for Kenya, coming less than three months after his historic Official Visit to Norway on June 8 and 9, 2026, the first by a Kenyan Head of State.
“I retain warm memories of the hospitality extended to my delegation and I, including my audience with Crown Prince Haakon at the Royal Palace, and of the warmth and friendship that characterised our engagements with the Norwegian leadership and people,” Ruto stated.
He added that the visit had opened a new chapter in the longstanding Kenya-Norway relationship, strengthening cooperation in peace and security, climate action, maritime affairs, trade and investment, and multilateral cooperation, values he said were consistent with those that characterised King Harald’s reign.
“His Majesty King Harald V has departed, but the values he embodied and the nation he helped shape will endure. Kenya will honour his memory by continuing to nurture the friendship between our peoples and deepen the partnership between our two nations. May His Majesty King Harald V rest in eternal peace,” Ruto concluded.
King Harald V, who was Europe’s oldest reigning monarch, died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday, August 28, at 6.35 a.m., the Royal Palace confirmed.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today,” the palace said in a statement.
He will be succeeded by his son, who will ascend to the throne as King Haakon VIII.
