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Mourners lay flowers at Oslo's royal palace for King Harald V
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Tens of thousands of Norwegians paid respects to King Harald V by placing flowers and condolence cards outside the royal palace in Oslo following his death at 89.
- King Harald V died Friday morning, and his son, Crown Prince Haakon, ascended the throne as King Haakon VIII, with his wife becoming Queen Mette-Marit and his daughter Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra.
- Public mourning activities included open churches and city halls for candle lighting and condolence writing, while the country is in an official state of mourning with some celebrations postponed.
- King Haakon VIII is expected to address the nation soon and will face challenges including restoring support for the monarchy amid controversies involving his wife and stepson.
- Norway's monarchy, dating back to the ninth century, holds a largely symbolic role today, with power resting in an elected parliament, but the royal family remains influential nationally and internationally.
