Norway has declared a period of national mourning following the death of King Harald V, who passed away on Friday morning at the age of 89.
The period of mourning began immediately and will continue until the day of the late monarch’s funeral, the date of which has not yet been announced.
As part of the national mourning, flags at royal residences, government buildings and military sites will be flown at half-mast.
Professional activities and public events will continue, but organisers have been urged to ensure that all gatherings are conducted in a dignified manner. Events may include a moment of silence, the display of a portrait of the late King or the lighting of candles in his memory.
However, non-work-related social events are expected to be cancelled or postponed during the mourning period.
King Harald died peacefully at 06:35 local time at the National Hospital in Oslo, according to the Royal Palace. He had been admitted to hospital last week for treatment for a rare blood condition.
In the hours leading up to his death, members of the royal family visited the King, while mourners gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo to lay flowers and pay their final respects. The royal flag at the palace was also lowered to half-mast.
King Harald, who was Norway’s first monarch born in the country since the 14th century, has been succeeded by his son, Crown Prince Haakon, who becomes King Haakon.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Queen Sonja, his daughter Princess Märtha Louise, the new King Haakon and six grandchildren.
The new King is expected to hold an extraordinary Council of State with the Norwegian government as the country begins a new chapter in its royal history.
