OSLO, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Memorial services were held at churches across Norway on Sunday for King Harald V, who died on Friday at 89, as the Norwegian Royal House announced that his funeral will take place on Sept. 9.
Tens of thousands of people lined up at cathedrals and churches across the country to mourn the late monarch. Many people placed flowers, candles and cards outside the Royal Palace in Oslo.
Under Norway's rules of succession, Harald V's 53-year-old son immediately succeeded him to the throne, taking the regnal name Haakon VIII. ■