King Harald V, Norway's reform-minded head of state, dies at 89

King Harald V of Norway has died at the age of 89. According to the Royal Palace, the monarch passed away peacefully on the morning of August 28 at Oslo University Hospital. Following his death, his 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, has automatically succeeded him and is expected to reign as King Haakon VIII.

Harald V served as Norway's head of state for over three decades, during which he was characterized as a reform-minded leader who stepped out from the shadow of his predecessor. His passing occurs during a period described by the palace as a time of multiple crises for the Norwegian royal family.