OSLO — Norway’s King Harald has died aged 89, the palace said today, his 53-year-old son Crown Prince Haakon automatically succeeding him on the throne.

Haakon takes over a monarchy long hailed for its modernity and modesty, but beset by a string of scandals in recent years.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today. King Harald passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday, August 28 at 6.35am,” (0435 GMT/12.35pm Malaysian time) it said in a statement.

The flag at the royal palace in Oslo was lowered to half-mast, as crowds gathered outside the palace to pay their respects.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said he had received the news with “deep sorrow”.

“An entire nation mourns, and at the same time remains profoundly grateful for a long life devoted to Norway,” he said in a statement.

“King Harald loved Norway. And Norway loved its king.”

The government later announced a period of national mourning until the king was buried.

Hundreds of flowers had already been laid outside the palace the day before, after it announced the king was in “extremely serious” condition in hospital.