Norway has begun a period of national mourning following the death of King Harald V, with his son succeeding him as King Haakon VIII. Thousands gathered outside Oslo’s royal palace to lay flowers and flags, while tributes highlighted Harald’s reputation as an inclusive and modernising “people’s king” who provided stability during his 35-year reign.

Harald died aged 89 in hospital at 06:35 local time after treatment for a rare blood condition, and about 10,000 people reportedly lined Oslo’s streets as his coffin was taken to the palace. Flags will fly at half-mast and public social events are being cancelled or postponed; the funeral date has not yet been announced. Haakon, 53, will take an oath before parliament on Tuesday, while his 22-year-old daughter Ingrid Alexandra becomes heir apparent.