Royal Palace officials stated that Harald V passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital (Rikshospitalet) at 6:35 a.m. local time (7:35 a.m. Kyiv time).
Earlier reports indicated that Harald V suffered from hemolytic anemia, a condition that destroys red blood cells faster than they can be replaced, leading to chronic fatigue and shortness of breath. The monarch was admitted to the hospital on Aug. 17.
A consulting hematologist advised the royal family to prepare for the worst.
On Aug. 27, the Royal Palace announced that the King's son, Crown Prince Haakon, and Queen Sonja had canceled all scheduled public engagements and official programs. Several royal family motorcades were observed arriving at the hospital where Harald V was receiving treatment.
Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Prince Sverre Magnus, and Queen Sonja maintained a bedside vigil after arriving at the medical facility the previous day. King Harald's sister, Princess Astrid, was also present at the hospital.
King Harald was the oldest reigning monarch in Europe, ascending to the throne in Jan. 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V. Following Harald V's death, his 53-year-old son, Haakon, will become the ceremonial head of state of Norway.