Norway's King Harald V dies at 89

Norway's King Harald V died early Friday at the age of 89 in Oslo's National Hospital, the Royal Palace said. The monarch "passed away peacefully" at 6:35 am local time (0435GMT), prompting the immediate lowering of the royal flag to half-staff across the palace grounds.

The king had been admitted to the hospital on Aug. 17 for a medical examination and was receiving cortisone treatment for hemolytic anemia, a blood disorder that caused fluid to accumulate in his body. His condition deteriorated after he developed a bacterial infection in his bloodstream, Norwegian public broadcaster NRK reported.

Royal succession

Crown Prince Haakon immediately succeeded his father as Norway's monarch under the country's constitutional rules and will meet the government during an extraordinary Council of State at the Royal Palace. His royal name will be announced following the meeting, after which the new monarch must take an oath before parliament — Norway does not hold coronation ceremonies.

Harald ascended the throne on Jan. 17, 1991, following the death of his father, King Olav V, and remained the country's head of state for more than 35 years. He was Europe's oldest reigning monarch at the time of his death.