King Haakon VIII takes throne as Norway mourns death of King Harald

Norway opened a new chapter in its history on Saturday under King Haakon VIII, after the death of his father Harald, a unifying figure who was on the throne for 35 years. A national period of mourning was declared in the Scandinavian kingdom following the king’s death on Friday at 6.35am, aged 89. Norwegians gathered on Saturday ⁠to say goodbye to ⁠the king in front of the ⁠royal palace, where he lies in state, with many well-wishers remembering his sense of inclusiveness and tolerance. Haakon,.