On Saturday, Norwegians gathered in front of the royal palace in Oslo to pay their respects to the late King Harald V, who died on Friday at the age of 89. He had reigned for more than three decades.

As early as Friday evening, crowds braved heavy rain to line the streets of the capital, watching the funeral procession carry the coffin from Oslo University Hospital to the palace.

The public will later be able to pay their respects at the king's coffin in the royal chapel. The coffin will be placed on a catafalque draped in purple fabric, along with a family wreath and symbols of the monarchy. The date of the funeral has not yet been announced.

Flags across the country are flying at half-mast, and portraits of Harald have appeared in public places. Many mourners have singled out his emphasis on inclusiveness.

Following Harald's death, his 53-year-old son automatically became the new monarch, taking the name Haakon VIII. On Tuesday, he will take an oath before parliament to uphold the Norwegian constitution and laws.

(Reuters, bak)