Harald was born on 21 February 1937 on the Skaugum estate near Oslo, more than 30 years after Norway gained its independence from Sweden and became a constitutional monarchy.

He was three when dictator Adolf Hitler ordered Norway's invasion by Nazi Germany early in World War Two.

Harald's mother fled with her children across the border to Sweden, and they travelled to the US on the invitation of President Franklin D Roosevelt.

Prince Harald returned with his family to Norway at the end of the war and completed his school and compulsory military service. He became crown prince in 1957, and studied social science, history and economics at Balliol College in Oxford from 1960 to 1962.

He ascended to the throne in January 1991 following the death of his father.

Image source, NTB / AFP via Getty Images

Norway's royal house released a statement this morning announcing the death of its 89-year-old monarch.

The palace said: "It is with deep grief that we announce that His Majesty King Harald has passed away. King Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet Friday 28 August at 6:35 AM."

The palace's website now features only a black banner, with a picture of the late king, honouring his life.

King Charles III, along with Queen Camilla, has released a statement mourning his "dear cousin" King Harald V, who was a second cousin of King Charles' mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

King Charles said that for 35 years, the late Norwegian monarch "served his people with unwavering dedication, guiding Norway through times of great change with warmth and humility".

The British monarch said his family joins all of Norway in remembering "a much-loved kinsman and friend whose kindness, compassion and deep sense of duty echoed from across the sea and across the decades".

He extended his condolences to Norway's Queen Sonja, who was due to celebrate her 58th wedding anniversary with King Harald tomorrow.

Image source, Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Following the death of King Harald V this morning, Norway has declared a time of national mourning from today until the day of his funeral, which has not yet been announced.

Flags will be flown at half-mast from royal residences, state buildings and military sites.

While professional activities and events will still be carried out, emphasis will be placed on ensuring events have a "dignified" setting - including that the death is marked with silence, and a portrait of the late king is displayed and/or that candles are lit. All non work-related social events will be cancelled or postponed.

Image source, Reuters

Norway's King Harald V has died at the age of 89, having been taken to hospital last week for treatment for a rare blood condition.

The palace in Oslo said he passed away peacefully at 06:35 local time (04:35 GMT) on Friday at the national hospital in Oslo. The royal flag on the roof of the palace has been lowered to half-mast.

In the 24 hours leading up to his death, members of the royal family had visited the king, and crowds had laid flowers at the palace.

Harald was Norway's first king born in Norway since the 14th Century. He has been succeeded by his son Haakon, 53, who will hold an extraordinary council of state with the government later on Friday.

He is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Queen Sonja, their daughter Princess Märtha Louise, their son, the new King Haakon, and six grandchildren.