**Norway’s King Harald V Dies at 89**
Norway’s King Harald V has passed away at the age of 89, as confirmed by the royal palace in a statement released on Friday. The king died peacefully at a hospital in Oslo at 6:35 AM local time (04:35 GMT).
King Harald had been receiving treatment for a blood disorder since August 17. His health had been a concern for some time, with reports indicating that his condition worsened significantly in the days leading up to his death. On Thursday, the palace described his health status as "extremely serious."
In light of the king's declining health, members of the royal family had canceled their official engagements to be by his side during his final moments. The passing of the monarch has prompted an outpouring of grief from the public, with many people laying flowers outside the royal palace in remembrance of their king.
King Harald V ascended to the throne in 1991 and was the first Norwegian king to be born after the country gained independence from Sweden in 1905. His reign was marked by a commitment to public service and a dedication to the welfare of the Norwegian people.
The royal palace has not yet announced plans for a state funeral or other memorial services. As the nation mourns, tributes to King Harald's legacy are expected to continue in the days ahead.