Flags are flying at half-mast across the UK’s royal residences following the death of King Harald V of Norway.
The Union Flag has been lowered at Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh as Britain joins Norway in mourning the 89-year-old monarch.
The flags will remain at half-mast until 8pm on Friday as a mark of respect for the late King.
The striking tribute comes just hours after the Norwegian Royal Court announced that King Harald had died at the National Hospital in Oslo.
Harald died peacefully at 6:35am on Friday, August 28, aged 89, following a period of serious illness.
His death brings to an end a 35-year reign which began in 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V.
Despite being a reigning monarch himself, Harald also held a place in the British line of succession. At the time of his death, he was 81st in line to the British throne, reflecting his descent from Queen Victoria and his close family ties to the British Royal Family.
The connection between Harald and King Charles III was particularly close. The two monarchs were second cousins through Harald’s grandmother, Queen Maud, the daughter of King Edward VII.
The lowering of flags across Britain reflects the longstanding relationship between the two royal houses.
The Norwegian and British Royal Families have shared close ties for generations, with that relationship strengthened considerably during the Second World War.
King Haakon VII and Crown Prince Olav spent much of the war in Britain after Norway was occupied by Nazi Germany, with the Norwegian Royal Family receiving the support of King George VI and his family.
King Charles paid tribute to his cousin following the news of Harald’s death, saying he and Queen Camilla learned of his passing with “the most profound sadness”.
Charles described Harald as a “much-loved kinsman and friend” who had served the Norwegian people with “unwavering dedication” throughout his 35 years on the throne.
“The Queen and I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Queen Sonja and all her family, as Britain shares in Norway’s grief at this time of such heartbreaking loss,” the King said.
The tribute from Britain’s Royal Family comes as Norway begins a new chapter following Harald’s death.
His only son, Crown Prince Haakon, has succeeded him as King.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Haakon’s eldest child, is now first in line to the Norwegian throne and becomes Crown Princess.
