Norway’s King Harald dies aged 89
Norway's King Harald V has passed away at the age of 89 following a period of declining health. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, has automatically succeeded him as the new monarch.
Why it matters
The death of a long-reigning European monarch marks a significant transition in the Norwegian constitutional monarchy and national identity.
Norway's King Harald, who ascended the Norwegian throne in 1991, had had multiple health problems in recent years. (EPA Images pic)
OSLO: Norway’s King Harald has died aged 89, the palace said on Friday.
His 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, automatically succeeds him on the throne.
"It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today.
"King Harald passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday, Aug 28 at 6:35am," the palace said in a statement.
The flag at the royal palace in Oslo was lowered to half-mast, an AFP reporter at the scene said.
A few dozen people had gathered outside the palace in the morning, but after the flag was lowered to half-mast, hundreds began making their way to the palace courtyard.
Hundreds of flowers had already been laid down the day before.
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