Europe's oldest reigning monarch has died after 35 years on the throne
King Harald V of Norway, who died on Friday aged 89, remained a unifying figure in his country until the very end, a pillar of stability amid a string of family scandals that tarnished the final years of his reign.
On the throne since 1991, Europe’s oldest reigning monarch suffered from increasing health problems in his later years, but adamantly refused to abdicate.
He was again hospitalised on August 17 in Oslo due to complications from the blood condition haemolytic anaemia, and the royal palace announced his death on Friday.
Despite limited powers as head of state, the king inspired unity in Norway, always managing to find the right thing to say in difficult times.
