Norway's King Harald, Europe's oldest monarch, dies

Norwegian King Harald V has died at age 89, the royal house has announced, making his son Haakon the new king of Norway.

Europe's oldest reigning monarch died peacefully at 6.35am on Friday at Oslo University Hospital, the royal house said.

Harald had been in hospital since the beginning of last week, receiving treatment for haemolytic anaemia, which had led to fluid retention in his body.

Harald ascended the throne in 1991 following the death of his father, Olav V.