King Harald V of Norway dies at 89

King Harald V of Norway died today, Friday, at the age of 89. The Norwegian royal house made the announcement. He was Europe's oldest reigning monarch.

The king had been admitted to the Rikshospitalet, the national hospital in Oslo, on 17 August, after a routine medical check revealed a blood disease. In the following days his condition worsened due to a bacterial infection in the blood, which led to his death.

Harald V suffered from haemolytic anaemia, a condition that causes the abnormally rapid destruction of red blood cells. Despite his advanced age, the king had until now managed to keep up much of his official schedule, moving around with the help of a cane. Together with his wife, Queen Sonja, he had planned a series of visits to Norwegian municipalities for the autumn, as part of the royal couple's usual activities.

The succession

Norway's new monarch is now Prince Haakon, 53, who will be joined as queen by his wife Mette-Marit.