King Harald's passion for food and nature became one of his greatest legacies
Before his death, the late Harald V of Norway was a dedicated climate change activist and keen hunter; he had ‘hope’ that young people would rally together to save the planet from environmental doom.
Harald, Europe’s oldest monarch, died on 28 August 2026. He was laid to rest on Wednesday (9 September) with a funeral in Oslo attended by royalty and leaders from across the world, including William, Prince of Wales.
The coffin, accompanied by members of the Norwegian royal household, including the 89-year-old’s son, King Haakon VIII, left the Royal Palace at 12pm for a 1pm service at Oslo Cathedral.
During his 35-year reign, the late ruler—described as having a ‘great love of hunting and fishing’—was dedicated to promoting nature conservation and protecting the environment.
Patron of environmental causes
In 1970, he established the Norwegian chapter of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF Norge).
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He served as its President until 1991, stepping down only when he acceded to the throne as King.
Despite stepping away from the role, the monarch continued to support the organisation as a patron and honorary member, as per the global environmental charity.
King Harald was also a patron of the Norwegian Society for the Conservation of Nature, having supported its mission from 1964 until his death.
At a national meeting in 2021, he stated: “To take care of nature is to take care of ourselves and those who come after us… Fortunately, many young people today are involved in nature conservation. It gives me hope for the future.
King Harald loved to hunt and fish
According to the official site of the Norwegian Royal House, Harald’s ‘greatest passion’ was fishing, which he would spend every summer doing in Lærdal and Alta.
Similarly, the moose hunting season in Sikkilsdalen was nearly sacrosanct as part of King Harald’s autumn agenda, the site read.
“King Harald understood the importance of preserving biodiversity both in Norway and in the rest of the world, and of viewing the connections between nature, animals and humans in an overall perspective.”
Climate change was great ‘concern’ to late ruler
Human-induced climate change was a key concern for Harald. In 2022, he declared in his New Year’s Address that it was ‘the most serious issue’ plaguing the Earth.
“We must do everything we can to protect our Earth. Both to protect people's homes, and to preserve the wonderful nature where all living things are connected,” he said in a translated message.
“This is truly an area where we need each other. Because we are all equally dependent on our earth. And climate change does not stop at national borders. I sincerely hope that we will now be able to act in line with the seriousness of the situation.”
He also made sure that his grandchildren, including Princess Ingrid Alexandra, were aware of how crucial protecting the planet was.
“You are growing up at a time when building bridges between people – and saving the planet – will be among the most important tasks. I am certain that you and your generation, with your knowledge and understanding, will manage to find good solutions. Better than any of us who go before you,” the official overview read.
As part of his activism, the royal visited everywhere from Svalbard to Alaska, and the Brazilian rainforest in 2013.
The latter saw him spending four days living with the Yanomami people, learning about the impact of climate change on indigenous peoples.
King Harald later welcomed his friend, Davi Kopenawa Yanomami, to the Royal Palace in Oslo for a return visit, as per Rainforest Foundation Norway.
Rest in peace, Harald V of Norway: a true supporter of the planet.
Ella Scott