Norwegians are gathering at the Royal Palace in Oslo to say goodbye to King Harald, who lay in state after his death at the age of 89. The monarch, who reigned for 35 years, was Europe's oldest king and is being remembered as a reformer and a symbol of a tolerant, open nation.
Thousands have paid their respects, laying flowers and reflecting on his legacy. Line Stousland, 49, told AFP: "He has meant a great deal and has been a unifying king. He has been a king of the people, like a grandfather to the whole nation."
King Harald died at Oslo University Hospital, where he had been since August 17, suffering from hemolytic anemia, a condition causing fatigue and shortness of breath due to rapid destruction of red blood cells. The date for his funeral has not yet been announced.
Flags fly at half-mast across Norway, with portraits of the late king in gala uniform displayed at bus stops, offices, shops, and public buildings. A national period of mourning has been declared.
The transition to a new reign began immediately. Harald's 53-year-old son, who will be known as King Haakon VIII, became Norway's new monarch the moment his father passed away. He is due to take the oath before parliament on Tuesday, pledging to defend the constitution and laws.
Haakon inherits a monarchy praised for its modernity and modesty but beset by recent scandals. Earlier this year, two prominent politicians and the crown princess were linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A police investigation was opened into former Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland on suspicion of corruption, while the princess's 29-year-old son, Marius Borg Hoiby, the new king's stepson, was sentenced in June to four years in prison for two counts of rape and 32 other charges, including domestic violence.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said in a speech after meeting the new monarch: "An era has ended. A new one begins. The king is dead. Long live the king. We will remember King Harald for his love for his people, for his humour and warmth, and for his unwavering faith in us."
Source: www.aljazeera.com