Norway mourns King Harald V, who died aged 89 after more
than three decades on the throne, as crowds gather at Oslo's Royal Palace to
pay tribute.
OSLO, NORWAY:
Norway has entered a period of national mourning following the death of King
Harald V at the age of 89, with crowds gathering outside the Royal Palace in
Oslo to pay their final respects to a monarch who ruled the country for more
than three decades.
King Harald died on Friday at Oslo University Hospital. His
death marks the end of a reign that began in 1991 and was widely associated
with modernising Norway's monarchy while maintaining a close relationship with
the public. On Saturday, mourners gathered in Oslo despite rainy weather as the
king's coffin was taken to the Royal Palace, where he is lying in state.
Large numbers of people travelled to the Royal Palace to
honour King Harald, with many remembering him for his warmth, humility and
commitment to an inclusive Norway.
Flags across the country have been lowered to half-mast as
Norway observes the death of its long-serving monarch. Public memorials and
portraits of Harald have appeared in different parts of the country, reflecting
the widespread affection for a king who was regarded by many Norwegians as a
unifying national figure.
The king's coffin is being displayed in the royal chapel,
allowing members of the public to pay their respects before the funeral. The
funeral date has not yet been announced.