Crown Prince Haakon has become Norway's new king following the death of his father, King Harald V, at the age of 89, taking the throne after years of gradually assuming greater royal responsibilities as his father's health declined.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Norway has a new king, whose tasks will include stabilizing the Scandinavian country's monarchy and boosting the royal family's popularity after his…

King Harald V of Norway, who had been the oldest reigning monarch in Europe, died at the age of 89, the palace announced on Friday. His son automatically became King Haakon VIII.