// BBC WORLD NEWS — MONDO
Norway mourns King Harald as Haakon VIII ascends throne
Norwegians, politicians and royals are grieving the death of beloved King Harald V, as a period of national mourning begins and his son King Haakon VIII assumes the throne.
After Harald's death was announced early on Friday, crowds amassed at the royal palace in Oslo, laying flowers and flags, some mourners visibly in tears.
Hours later, the new king met government ministers for an extraordinary council of state meeting, after which the 53-year-old announced he was taking on the royal family's motto "All for Norway".
Harald died peacefully in hospital at 06:35 local time (04:35 GMT) aged 89, after receiving treatment there for a rare blood condition since last week.
Memorials outside the palace included a candle with the word "thanks" written on it
The late monarch has been described as an inclusive, transparent and empathetic "people's king" who modernised the Norwegian monarchy.
European royals, including King Charles III - whose mother Queen Elizabeth II was Harald's second cousin - as well as political leaders and ordinary citizens, paid tribute to his service and the stability he brought to the country.
Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who laid flowers outside the palace and signed a book of condolences after greeting the new king, said the country was "united in grief and gratitude".
In a televised memorial address - one of multiple eulogies by ministers - he said the late king's "legacy lives on" and offered condolences to the royal family and Queen Sonja, who would have celebrated her 58th wedding anniversary with Harald on Saturday.
Støre was joined by ministers and a crowd of citizens grieving outside the palace