Norway's King Harald V, Europe's oldest reigning monarch, has died at the age of 89, the royal palace announced on Friday.
"It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today. King Harald passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday, August 28 at 6:35 am," it said in a statement.
The flag at the royal palace in Oslo was lowered to half-mast on Friday as members of the public gathered outside to lay flowers and pay tribute to King Harald.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered her condolences to the Norwegian people, describing Harald as a "true European" who had served his country "with warmth, humility and an unwavering sense of duty".
"In moments of joy and sorrow, he brought Norwegians together," she said, adding that his royal motto, "Alt for Norge" meaning "All for Norway," would continue to resonate.
