@sbsnews_au: Crowds have gathered outside the Royal Palace in Oslo after news broke that Norway's King Harald died at the age of 89. A great-great-grandchild of Britain's Queen Victoria, Harald acceded to the throne in 1991 and gradually introduced modern touches that brought a ceremonial post, seen mainly as a symbol of national independence, into the 21st century. The popular king played a crucial role in comforting the nation in times of mourning. He also spoke up for tolerance, declaring in a 2016 speech that Norwegians could have many backgrounds, beliefs and sexual orientations. King Harald's death comes at a tumultuous time for the Norwegian royal family. Learn more @sbsnews_au (link in bio)