Norway: King Harald V Dies at 89.

Following his death, flags across Norway were lowered to half-mast as the country entered a period of national mourning. Many Norwegians gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo carrying flowers and Norwegian flags to pay their respects to the late monarch.

Harald V had been King of Norway since January 17, 1991, and had reigned for more than 35 years. He was 89 when he died. 

His son, Crown Prince Haakon, 53, has now become King of Norway, succeeding his father automatically upon his death.

King Harald was the first Norwegian-born heir to the throne in almost 570 years. Born in 1937, he became known as a popular and modern monarch who helped bring the Norwegian royal institution closer to the people. 

During his reign, Harald was also known for modernising the monarchy. In 1968, before becoming king, he married Sonja Haraldsen, a commoner, despite traditional expectations within the royal family. The couple had two children, Haakon and Princess Märtha Louise.

Harald became an important symbol of national unity, particularly during difficult periods in Norway's history. He was widely praised for his compassion and public support for the Norwegian people following the 2011 terrorist attacks, in which 77 people were killed. He also became a strong advocate for tolerance, diversity and inclusion. 

Because of his popularity and his close relationship with ordinary Norwegians, Harald was affectionately regarded by many as a fatherly figure and a "people's king."

Tributes have been sent from leaders and royal families around the world. King Charles III expressed his condolences to the Norwegian royal family, while other European monarchs also paid tribute to Harald and his decades of service to Norway.

King Harald's death marks the end of a 35-year reign and the beginning of a new era for the Norwegian monarchy under his son, King Haakon VIII.