Norway’s royal family is undergoing a major change following the death of its monarch on Aug. 28.
King Harald V died peacefully at the age of 89 at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, concluding a reign that began in 1991.
Prior to his passing, the monarch had been hospitalized in very serious condition after experiencing years of health issues.
To formally announce the passing of the monarch, officials released a statement of deep sorrow.
“It is with deep grief that we announce that His Majesty King Harald has passed away,” reported the Royal Palace in Oslo and PEOPLE.
His only son, Haakon, immediately succeeded him as the new King of Norway.
The transition of power marks a significant moment for the House of Glücksburg, a European dynasty in power since 1905.
King Haakon’s wife, Queen Mette-Marit, becomes the country’s new queen consort.
Their eldest child, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, is now next in line for the throne.
With her grandfather’s death, the 22-year-old princess returned home from her studies at the University of Sydney to prepare for her future reign.
Tributes quickly arrived from around the world, including a personal message from the British monarchy.
Expressing profound sorrow, King Charles III sent a tribute to his dear second cousin.
The British monarch joined in “remembering a much-loved kinsman and friend whose kindness, compassion and deep sense of duty echoed from across the sea and across the decades,” according to Instagram and reported by PEOPLE.
Norway’s late King Harald V was the first Norwegian-born king to hold the throne in 567 years.
The Scandinavian nation’s ancient monarchy, which is over 1,000 years old, now continues under its new ruler.