Norway's King Harald dies aged 89

King Harald of Norway passed away at the age of 89, with his 53-year-old son Haakon ascending to the throne as King Haakon VIII, according to the palace. Haakon was accompanied by his 22-year-old daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, upon his arrival at the palace shortly after 9 am Irish time. Upon assuming the throne, King Haakon formally informed the government of his father's death and announced his royal motto, "All for Norway," the same as his father's.

The Norwegian people expressed their grief and sympathy for the Royal Family, with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre extending his condolences on behalf of the government and the people. The government declared a period of national mourning until King Harald's burial, and the flag was lowered to half-mast before being raised once again after Haakon's arrival.

Thousands of people gathered outside the palace to pay their respects, with hundreds of flower bouquets adorning the ground. Norway's King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and Denmark's King Frederik both praised King Harald as an outstanding representative of his country and an extraordinary man. Britain's King Charles III mourned the loss of his dear cousin, hailing him as a towering figure.

During his 35-year reign, King Harald upheld the official Royal Motto, "Alt for Norge," embodying an open and tolerant Norway. He faced mounting health issues in his final years, forcing him to scale back his official schedule. Despite his declining health, King Harald never considered abdicating, as he had taken a lifelong oath before the Norwegian parliament.

Norway's royals remain popular with the public, partly due to King Harald's unifying status and his modest lifestyle.