Norway has entered a period of national mourning following the death of King Harald V
The king, who was on the throne for 35 years, died early on Friday at the national hospital in Oslo where he was being treated for a rare blood condition
Harald was a popular leader and is credited with modernising the Norwegian monarchy - he broke with tradition by marrying a commoner, Queen Sonja
Flowers are being laid at a memorial near the palace, and the UK's King Charles III shares his "most heartfelt condolences"
Norway's royal house released a statement this morning announcing the death of its 89-year-old monarch.
The palace said: "It is with deep grief that we announce that His Majesty King Harald has passed away. King Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet Friday 28 August at 6:35 AM."
The palace's website now features only a black banner, with a picture of the late king, honouring his life.
King Charles III, along with Queen Camilla, has released a statement mourning his "dear cousin" King Harald V, who was a second cousin of King Charles' mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
King Charles said that for 35 years, the late Norwegian monarch "served his people with unwavering dedication, guiding Norway through times of great change with warmth and humility".
The British monarch said his family joins all of Norway in remembering "a much-loved kinsman and friend whose kindness, compassion and deep sense of duty echoed from across the sea and across the decades".
He extended his condolences to Norway's Queen Sonja, who was due to celebrate her 58th wedding anniversary with King Harald tomorrow.
Image source, Dominic Lipinski/PA WireFollowing the death of King Harald V this morning, Norway has declared a time of national mourning from today until the day of his funeral, which has not yet been announced.
Flags will be flown at half-mast from royal residences, state buildings and military sites.
While professional activities and events will still be carried out, emphasis will be placed on ensuring events have a "dignified" setting - including that the death is marked with silence, and a portrait of the late king is displayed and/or that candles are lit. All non work-related social events will be cancelled or postponed.
Image source, EPAMourners lay flowers at the Palace Square in Oslo
Image source, ReutersNorway's Royal Palace lowers its flag to half-mast
Image source, ReutersPeople gather to pay their respects outside the Royal Palace in Oslo
Image source, ReutersNorway's King Harald V has died at the age of 89, having been taken to hospital last week for treatment for a rare blood condition.
The palace in Oslo said he passed away peacefully at 06:35 local time (04:35 GMT) on Friday at the national hospital in Oslo. The royal flag on the roof of the palace has been lowered to half-mast.
In the 24 hours leading up to his death, members of the royal family had visited the king, and crowds had laid flowers at the palace.
Harald was Norway's first king born in Norway since the 14th Century. He has been succeeded by his son Haakon, 53, who will hold an extraordinary council of state with the government later on Friday.
He is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Queen Sonja, their daughter Princess Märtha Louise, their son, the new King Haakon, and six grandchildren.
