Norway mourns King Harald as Haakon VIII ascends throne

Key Points:

• King Harald V of Norway passed away at age 89 after 35 years on the throne, prompting a national mourning period and the ascension of his son, Haakon VIII, as the new king.
• Thousands gathered in Oslo to pay tribute, with public processions, a 21-gun salute, and widespread expressions of grief and respect for Harald, who was known as a "people's king" who modernized the monarchy.
• King Haakon VIII held an extraordinary council of state meeting and will take an oath before parliament, with his daughter Ingrid Alexandra next in line as crown princess under updated succession laws.
• The royal family faces ongoing challenges, including Queen Mette-Marit's recent lung transplant and public scrutiny over her past friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, as well as legal issues involving her son from a previous relationship.
• National mourning includes flags at half-mast, cancelled social events, and public memorials, while Harald lies in state at the palace chapel awaiting funeral arrangements.