King Harald V of Norway has passed away at the age of 89. The monarch died peacefully early Friday morning at the national hospital in Oslo, following a brief hospitalization last week for a rare blood condition.

In the hours leading up to his death, close family members gathered at his bedside, while members of the public left floral tributes outside the gates of the royal palace. Harald ruled for 35 years and is remembered as a modernizing monarch who brought an approachable and down-to-earth presence to the Norwegian crown. He will be succeeded by his son, who now assumes the throne as King Haakon.

Born in February 1937, Harald was the first reigning Norwegian king to be born in his home country since the 14th century. His early life was shaped by global conflict; at age three, he fled the Nazi invasion of Norway during World War Two, seeking refuge in Sweden before spending the remainder of the war years in the United States under the protection of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Following his return and the completion of his education and military service, he studied at Oxford University and became crown prince in 1957.

His personal life reshaped the modern institution of the monarchy. After meeting Sonja Haraldsen, the daughter of a local merchant, Harald waited nearly a decade for permission to marry, as his father had originally desired a royal match. Facing an ultimatum from his son, King Olav V eventually consented, and the couple wed in Oslo Cathedral in 1968. This union broke centuries of tradition and opened the door for future generations of the royal family to marry commoners.

Ascending the throne in January 1991 following his father's passing, Harald gradually transformed from a reserved prince into an open, empathetic public leader. Historians note that his reign was characterized by increased transparency regarding royal finances and health, making the institution far more egalitarian.

Throughout his decades on the throne, King Harald served as a pillar of national unity during times of crisis. Following the devastating 2011 terrorist attacks in Oslo and on the island of Utøya, he delivered a memorable address urging citizens to reject fear and maintain their democratic values. He was equally known for his informal charm, frequently supporting national athletes at the Olympic Games and welcoming home the country's football team after historic tournament runs.

Despite enduring recent health struggles and various family controversies, the late king retained immense public affection, earning descriptions from commentators as the "People's king" and a national grandfather figure. He is survived by Queen Sonja, his wife of nearly 58 years, his two children, and six grandchildren.

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