World’s youngest monarch dies aged 34

King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, a traditional ruler who became Omukama of Tooro when he was just three, has passed away at the age of 34. At the time of his death, he was the world’s youngest royal.

The death was confirmed by Tooro’s Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki. In a statement, he said: “I call upon all the people of Tooro to remain united, calm and prayerful during this profoundly difficult time. May His Majesty the King rest in eternal peace.”

Despite King Oyo not being married at the time of his death, Calvin revealed that “the continuity of the crown is assured”, as he added: “His Majesty leaves behind a Prince as his heir, whose identity will be formally revealed at the appropriate time, in accordance with the traditions and customs of Tooro Kingdom.”

The monarch’s cause of death wasn’t revealed, but local media has reported that he had been seriously ill for some time and had been seeking treatment in the United States.

Although Uganda itself doesn’t have a monarchy, several kingdoms in the country have traditional rulers who are able to wield influence, despite not having political power.

Tooro is located in the south-west of the African nation, and King Oyo was the country’s 13th ruler. Following the death of his father, King Olimi III, at the age of 49, Oyo ascended to the throne despite being only three.

Until he turned 18, the Kingdom of Tooro was ruled by three regents, including Queen Mother Best Kemigisa and Princess Elizabeth Bagaaya.

King Harald‘s death

King Oyo wasn’t the only monarch to die this week, as on 28 August, Norway’s King Harald died at the age of 89. Oyo’s death was confirmed just hours after Harald passed away.

In a statement, the Norwegian royal household said: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today. King Harald passed away peacefully at Rikshospitalet on Friday, August 28, at 06:35.

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“He leaves behind his wife, Queen Sonja, 89, and children, Crown Prince Haakon, 53 and Princess Martha Louise, 54.”

Harald V reigned for 35 years, from 17 January 1991 until 28 August 2026. 

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Harald has been succeeded by his son, King Haakon. Meeting with Norwegian ministers, Haakon said: “It is my duty to inform the Council of State that my dear father, His Majesty King Harald V, died today, August 28, 2026, at 6:35 a.m., and that in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, I have assumed the government as King of Norway.”

“I will take the name Haakon VIII and will continue the same motto that my father, grandfather and great-grandfather chose: ‘Everything for Norway'”.