Thousands of mourners have gathered outside Norway's Royal Palace after King Harald V died on Friday at the age of 89, ending a 35-year reign that helped shape modern Norway.

His son, Crown Prince Haakon, immediately succeeded him as King Haakon VIII, with Princess Ingrid Alexandra becoming crown princess.

Tributes have poured in from across the world, while Norwegians remembered Harald as a unifying figure known for his warmth, humility and leadership during times of national tragedy. The government has declared a period of national mourning as the country prepares to bid farewell to its long-serving monarch.