Norway’s King Harald has died at the age of 89, the Royal Palace announced on Friday, bringing to an end more than three decades of his reign.
Harald, who became monarch in 1991, gradually established his own identity as king after initially living in the shadow of his widely admired father, King Olav V.
Over the course of his reign, Harald became known as a reform-minded monarch who helped shape the Norwegian royal institution while maintaining close ties with the public.
His death marks the end of a lengthy period on the throne during which he witnessed major social and political changes in Norway and across Europe.
The Royal Palace confirmed his death on Friday but did not immediately provide further details.
Harald was 54 when he succeeded his father and became Norway’s head of state. His reign subsequently lasted for more than 30 years, making him one of the country’s longest-serving monarchs in modern times.
Further details concerning the royal succession and arrangements following his death are expected to be announced by the palace.
