King Harald of Norway has died. He was 89 years old and was the oldest head of state in Europe.

King Harald of Norway, a reformer who led the country for over three decades, passed away at the age of 89, according to an announcement made on Friday by the Royal Palace. Crown Prince Haakon spent the night alongside his father at the University Hospital in Oslo, and Queen Sonja arrived there on Friday morning.

The king's death has generated an emotional reaction from the public, with many citizens gathering in front of the palace in Oslo to lay flowers and sing the national anthem. His death marks the end of an era for Norway, where he was a symbol of stability and continuity.

"With deep sadness, we announce that His Majesty, King Harald, has left us today. King Harald passed away peacefully at the National Hospital (Rikshospitalet) on Friday, August 28, at 6:35 AM" (07:35 in Romania), the palace wrote in a statement.