Norway entered national mourning after King Harald V died on Friday at the age of 89. On Saturday, thousands of people gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo to pay their final respects, while the late king’s body was placed in the palace with state honours. Long lines of mourners moved along the capital’s main Karl Johan street toward the palace, carrying flowers, handwritten messages, photographs and small Norwegian flags.

King Harald ascended the throne in 1991 and served for more than three decades. The source says he sought to modernise the monarchy and reduce the distance between the royal family and ordinary people. Flags were lowered to half-mast across Norway. Mourners from different walks of life, including immigrants, attended the tribute and remembered his inclusive positions on religion, culture and sexual identity.

Harald’s 53-year-old son, Haakon VIII, became king immediately after his father’s death. In his first address, Haakon described his father as a good father and warm-hearted person, and pledged to lead Norway in line with its belief in democracy, rule of law and equal dignity. Harald’s funeral is planned at Oslo Cathedral, followed by burial in the royal cemetery at Akershus Fortress.