Norway mourns King Harald as Haakon VIII ascends throne
Norway has entered a period of national mourning following the death of King Harald V at age 89. His son, Haakon VIII, has ascended the throne and held his first council of state as the nation honors the late monarch's legacy.
Why it matters
The transition of power in a stable constitutional monarchy is a significant geopolitical event and a moment of national unity for Norway.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Mallory Moench Cornelius Poppe / NTB / AFP via Getty Images) / Norway OUT Norwegians are grieving the death of the beloved King Harald V, as a period of national mourning begins and his son Haakon VIII assumes the throne.
After Harald's death was announced early on Friday, crowds amassed at the royal palace in Oslo, laying flowers and flags, some mourners visibly in tears.
The 53-year-old new king held an extraordinary council of state meeting with government ministers, saying he was taking on the royal family's motto "All for Norway".
Harald - who was on the throne for 35 years - died in hospital at 06:35 local time (04:35 GMT) aged 89, after being treated there for a rare blood condition. His coffin was later taken to the palace in a public procession.
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