Pakistan, Aug. 28 -- Norway's King Harald has died at the age of 89 after more than three decades on the throne, the royal palace announced Friday. Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35am on August 28, according to the palace. His death marks the end of a 35-year reign that saw him become a widely respected and unifying figure.

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Crown Prince Haakon, his 53-year-old son, automatically succeeds him as Norway's new king. Harald had been hospitalised since August 17 with haemolytic anaemia, a condition involving the rapid destruction of red blood cells. His health had deteriorated sharply in recent days, prompting his family to gather at his bedside.

The Norw...