Norway entered a period of official national mourning following the death of King Harald V, who passed away peacefully at a hospital in Oslo at the age of 89. The respected monarch had been receiving medical care for a rare blood condition since the previous week, leaving the nation in deep sorrow over the loss of a unifying figure.

Crowds of citizens gathered outside the royal palace shortly after the announcement, bringing floral bouquets, national flags, and candles to honor the late sovereign. Many mourners left personal messages, including one candle inscribed simply with the word thanks, reflecting the deep affection the public held for him. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre joined the throngs to pay his respects and sign a condolence book, declaring that the nation stood together in both sadness and thankfulness for the king's decades of service.

European royals, foreign leaders, and public figures joined ordinary citizens in praising the monarch for his empathy, transparency, and ability to modernize the institution. Athletes also shared their condolences, with national football star Erling Haaland expressing gratitude on social media for the monarch's dedication to the country. Representatives from diverse backgrounds highlighted his inclusive nature, with local residents noting how welcomed he made immigrant communities feel during his reign.

Hours after his father's passing, the new monarch, 53-year-old King Haakon VIII, convened an extraordinary council of state with government ministers at the palace. Following the meeting, the newly ascended ruler confirmed he would adopt the historic royal motto, all for Norway. He was joined by his daughter and heir, 22-year-old Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who stands next in line to the throne under succession rules updated in 1990 to allow firstborn daughters to inherit the crown.

The Norwegian Armed Forces marked the passing with a traditional 21-gun salute fired from Akershus Fortress at noon, while a solemn procession transferred the late king from the hospital chapel to the palace grounds. National mourning protocols were immediately enacted across the country, featuring flags lowered to half-mast, official portraits displayed, and moments of silence observed at public gatherings. Non-essential social functions were widely called off or rescheduled, including the wedding of Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe, which was postponed due to the national observance.

The transition of power comes during a challenging period for the royal household, which has weathered various health concerns and public controversies over the course of the year. The new sovereign is scheduled to take his formal oath before the national parliament, followed by a traditional consecration service rather than a formal coronation. The exact date of the late king's state funeral has not yet been finalized.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.