Norway mourns King Harald as new era begins under Haakon VIII

Norwegians are mourning the death of their long-serving monarch, King Harald, at the Royal Palace in Oslo. The 89-year-old king, who reigned for 35 years, was laid to rest in state, where he lay until his passing on Friday. Hundreds of well-wishers gathered in the capital to pay their respects and leave flowers in his honor. Known as a reformer and a symbol of inclusivity, King Harald was widely admired for his unifying leadership and connection to the Norwegian people.

He had been hospitalized since August 17 due to haemolytic anaemia, a condition causing the rapid destruction of red blood cells, leading to fatigue and shortness of breath. Line Stousland, a 49-year-old Norwegian, told AFP news agency, "He has meant a great deal and has been a unifying king. He has been a king of the people."

Upon the king's death, his 53-year-old son, Haakon VIII, assumed the throne as the new monarch. The transition to a new reign began immediately, with Haakon taking the oath in front of parliament to defend Norway's constitution and laws. As the nation mourned, flags were flown at half-mast throughout Norway, and portraits of the late king adorned public spaces, including bus stops and office buildings.

The modern and modest monarchy has faced recent scandals, including a corruption investigation against the late Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland and a rape conviction for Haakon VIII's stepson. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store addressed the nation, stating that the era of King Harald had ended, but a new one had begun. He praised the late king for his love for the people, his humor, and his unwavering faith in them.