0:00
Norway has a new king this morning after Europe's oldest reigning monarch died at the age of 89
0:08
King Harald V, who ruled Norway for 35 years, died at Oslo University Hospital just after 6.30 this morning local time
0:16
He had been hospitalized since last week with hemolytic anemia, a disorder that destroys red blood cells faster than the body can replace them
0:25
The palace announced Thursday that his health had deteriorated and that he was in extremely serious condition
0:31
Tributes now are pouring in across Norway for a king known for modernizing the monarchy
0:36
and who once broke with tradition himself to marry Sonja, a commoner
0:41
Harold is now succeeded by his son, Hakun, who becomes King Hakun VIII
0:46
and he takes the throne at a difficult time for Norway's royal family
0:51
Hakun's wife, Mehta Marit, has faced intense scrutiny over her past association with Jeffrey Epstein
0:58
And in June, her son from a previous relationship was sentenced to four years in prison for two rapes and dozens of other charges, including violence against a former partner
1:08
He has appealed. Like Britain, Norway is a constitutional monarchy, with the king serving as head of state while elected leaders hold political power
