King Harald V of Norway, the country’s ceremonial head of state since 1991 and Europe’s oldest living monarch, has died at the age of 89, the Norwegian royal court announced on Friday.

King Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35 a.m. on August 28, according to a statement from the palace. He had been receiving treatment since mid-August for hemolytic anemia, a rare blood disorder. His condition had deteriorated in recent days, prompting his wife, Queen Sonja, and their son, Crown Prince Haakon, to cancel their official engagements and remain at his bedside.

Haakon has automatically succeeded his father as Norway’s new monarch, taking the title King Haakon VIII. The Norwegian king holds a largely ceremonial and representative position, with the government retaining political authority.

Harald, who became king following the death of his father, King Olav V, in January 1991, had experienced a series of health problems in recent years and gradually reduced his official duties. Despite his declining health, he repeatedly rejected calls to abdicate, insisting that the oath he had taken as king was one that “lasts for life.”

News of Harald’s deteriorating health had drawn hundreds of Norwegians to the Royal Palace in Oslo, where people gathered overnight to hold a vigil and express their support for the royal family.

Tributes quickly came from political leaders and royal families across Europe.

Britain’s King Charles described Harald as a “towering figure” who had guided Norway with warmth and humility. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre praised the late monarch’s faith in the Norwegian people and said he had helped the country recognize “the best in ourselves – and in one another.”

Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf called Harald a good friend and wished his godson, Haakon, success in his new role. Denmark’s King Frederik and Queen Mary remembered Harald for his warmth, calmness, sense of duty and humanity.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described Harald as “a true European and a lifelong servant of his people,” while NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised his dedication to Norway and his long-standing support for the alliance.

Born in 1937, Harald was the first Norwegian prince to be born in Norway in more than 500 years. During the Second World War, he and his mother and sisters fled the country after Nazi Germany invaded Norway in 1940. The family spent part of the war in the United States.

Harald became king in 1991 and remained on the throne for more than three decades. During his reign, he helped modernize the Norwegian monarchy and became known for his relatively informal and inclusive approach to royal duties.

He received widespread praise for his response to the 2011 far-right terrorist attacks in Norway, in which 77 people were killed. In the years that followed, Harald delivered speeches emphasizing tolerance, diversity and equality, including support for LGBTQ+ people.

Harald’s death comes during a difficult period for Norway’s royal family. Crown Princess Mette-Marit, the wife of the new King Haakon VIII, has faced scrutiny over her past correspondence with convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Her son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, was sentenced in June to four years in prison after being convicted of two rapes and numerous other offenses, including violence against a former partner. He has appealed the verdict.

King Harald leaves behind a monarchy that he spent more than 35 years shaping, as Norway begins a new chapter under his son, King Haakon VIII.