Crown Prince Haakon, 53, became King Haakon VIII when his father, Harald V, died Friday at 89. Haakon adopted the motto, "All for Norway," that dates back to his great-grandfather.

Crown Prince Haakon, the only son of King Harald V, will become monarch, a largely ceremonial and symbolic role.

© Lise Aserud/Agence France-Presse, via NTB

Norwegians gather to remember monarch whose death comes amid scandal over links between crown princess and Jeffrey Epstein

Norwegians have gathered in their thousands to pay their respects to King Harald V, Europe’s oldest reigning monarch, who has died, aged 89, in Oslo. He was succeeded immediately by his son, King Haakon VIII.

The new king thanked “the government and Norwegian people for their support and sympathy for the royal family at this time”. A period of national mourning was announced as crowds left wreaths and messages outside the royal palace in Oslo.

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© Photograph: Terje Bendiksby/NTB/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: Terje Bendiksby/NTB/AFP/Getty Images

© Photograph: Terje Bendiksby/NTB/AFP/Getty Images

His 35-year reign opened an ancient monarchy to marriages with so-called commoners and to an incendiary association with Jeffrey Epstein.

© Inge Gjellesvik/NTB, via Agence France-Presse — Getty Images