Norway's King Harald V dies at 89

Norway's King Harald V has died at the age of 89, the royal court announced on Friday. Europe's oldest reigning monarch passed away peacefully at Rikshospitalet in Oslo following treatment for a severe blood disorder, hemolytic anemia, and a systemic bacterial infection.

Members of the royal family gathered at the hospital prior to his death, while members of the public left flowers outside the palace in Oslo, where the royal standard was lowered to half-mast.

Harald V ascended the throne in January 1991, serving as monarch under the motto "All for Norway." His son, Crown Prince Haakon, has succeeded him as king. Tributes were paid across Europe, including from Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf, who expressed "great sadness" at the loss of his close friend.

Sources: BBC News, Berlingske, France24, ORF, The Local Sweden