Statement on the passing of His Majesty King Harald V
It is with profound sorrow that the Brazilian-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce received the news that His Majesty King Harald V passed away peacefully this morning, 28 August 2026.
On behalf of the Chamber and the Brazilian-Norwegian business community, I extend our deepest condolences to Her Majesty Queen Sonja, His Majesty King Haakon VIII and the Royal family
Throughout his life and reign, King Harald maintained a special connection with Brazil – one shaped by family ties, personal affection and a steadfast commitment to strengthening the friendship between our two countries.
These bonds extended across generations. In 1953, his sister, Princess Ragnhild, moved to Rio de Janeiro with her husband, Erling Lorentzen, the Norwegian war veteran, shipowner and industrialist who later founded Aracruz Celulose. They made Brazil their home for almost six decades, creating an enduring connection between the Royal Family and Brazilian society. Brazil also held a special place in the relationship between King Harald and Queen Sonja. Following their marriage in 1968, they chose Rio de Janeiro as their honeymoon destination.
During their State Visit to Brazil in 2003, King Harald and Queen Sonja travelled to Brasília, São Paulo, Paraná and Rio de Janeiro. The visit helped deepen cooperation in areas including trade, shipping, energy, technology, forestry and cultural exchange. The King spoke consistently of Brazil as Norway’s most important market in Latin America and of the opportunities created when our countries combined their knowledge, resources and ambitions.
His connection with Brazil also encompassed a deep respect for nature and Indigenous cultures. In 2013, at the age of 76, King Harald fulfilled a long-held dream by spending four days with the Yanomami people in the Brazilian Amazon. The experience reflected his personal interest in the rainforest and drew attention to the importance of Indigenous knowledge and environmental stewardship. Today, Brazil and Norway cooperate closely across business, energy, maritime industries, climate action, forest conservation, science and culture. Norway’s long-standing partnership with Brazil through the Amazon Fund has become one of the most significant examples of international cooperation for rainforest protection.
King Harald’s legacy was rooted in service, unity and devotion to his country, embodied by his royal motto, “Alt for Norge” or “All for Norway.” For those of us working every day to bring Brazil and Norway closer together, his genuine affection for Brazil and his contribution to the friendship between our nations will remain a lasting source of inspiration and spirits to follow. Today, we bow our heads in respect and gratitude.
The Brazilian-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce remains committed to honouring this legacy by continuing to strengthen the connections between our countries, our business communities and our peoples.
We extend our sincere wishes to His Majesty King Haakon VIII and the Royal Family as they begin this new chapter in the service of Norway.
With deepest respect – Brazil – Norway Chamber of Commerce
Aage Thoen – Chairman
