Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh announced the death of King Harald V of Norway live on air on Friday morning, August 28.
Returning to screens alongside co-host Adil Ray, Singh interrupted the day's headlines to deliver the royal breaking news. She told viewers: "Some breaking news now." She continued: "The King of Norway, King Harald V, has died at the age of 89. The palace in Oslo said that he died peacefully overnight."
Monarch's final days
The presenter explained that the monarch had been taken to hospital the previous week for treatment following a rare blood condition. The Norwegian Royal Court confirmed that the king died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday, August 28, at 6.35am.
The royal palace had said the king was in an "extremely serious" condition on Thursday without providing further details. "It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today," the palace said in a statement. "King Harald passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday, Aug 28 at 6:35 am."
A 35-year reign
King Harald V had been Norway's monarch since 1991 and was a familiar figure both in Norway and across Europe. After 35 years on the throne, Harald will be remembered as a popular and reforming figure. He modernised the monarchy, broke with tradition by marrying a commoner and served as a unifying figure at Norway's most difficult moments.
Royal observers say he was down-to-earth, respected and beloved, describing him as a "grandfather" of the nation and the "People's king" - a title also used by his father King Olav V.
Succession and mourning
Following his death, attention now turns to the Norwegian royal succession, with his son Crown Prince Haakon set to become the country's new monarch. Haakon's oldest child now becomes Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra and the heir to the throne.
Haakon knows the ropes. As his father aged and his health began to fail in recent years, the prince stepped in as the country's regent on several occasions. The death of King Harald is expected to lead to a period of national mourning in Norway as the country prepares to say goodbye to a monarch who had reigned for 35 years.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
