King Harald V of Norway, Europe’s oldest monarch, has died at the age of 89, after 35 years on the throne.
He died on Friday just after 6:35am, the Royal House of Norway announced on its website. Harald is succeeded as monarch by his son Haakon.
He leaves his wife of 57 years, Queen Sonja, two children, and five grandchildren. His granddaughter Ingrid Alexandra now becomes heir to the Norwegian throne.
Harald’s death comes at a challenging time for Norway’s royal clan. Haakon’s wife, now Queen Consort Mette-Marit, has suffered health problems in recent years and was thrust into the global spotlight this year when her past contact with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein came to light. Not long afterwards, her son from a previous relationship was convicted of rape and domestic violence and sentenced to four years in prison.
Harald was 53 years old when he ascended the throne in 1991.
