King Harald of Norway dies at 89; son Haakon succeeds him

Norway mourns the passing of its King Harald, who died at the age of 89 on Friday morning. He had reigned for 35 years. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, has officially succeeded him as King Haakon VIII and has already met with his government.

King Harald had been receiving treatment at the national hospital in Oslo for a rare blood condition. On Friday evening, hospital staff and crowds lined the streets as the late king's coffin was transported from the hospital to the Royal Palace. People across Norway gathered outside the Royal Palace to lay flowers and share memories of their monarch.

Tributes have poured in from within Norway and internationally. King Charles III of the United Kingdom sent his "most heartfelt condolences" to the Norwegian royal family and the nation.

The nation now looks to King Haakon VIII as he assumes the throne, tasked with leading Norway following his father's long and respected reign. The transition of power appears to be proceeding smoothly, with the new king engaging with governmental affairs shortly after his official succession.

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most heartfelt condolences