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Norway's King Harald V, who reigned for over 35 years, has died at age 89 following a brief hospitalisation. Crown Prince Haakon succeeds him immediately under constitutional succession rules.
King Harald V of Norway, 89, has been hospitalised to treat fluid buildup caused by haemolytic anaemia. Crown Prince Haakon assumes regency duties during the two-week medical leave.
Negeri Sembilan's royal household has cautioned all political contestants to refrain from involving the monarchy in their campaign activities, emphasising the institution's strict neutrality ahead of the 16th state election on August 1.
Japan's parliament has enacted a major overhaul of the Imperial House Law to reverse declining royal family numbers. The reform allows male descendants from former imperial branches to be adopted, but divides public opinion and leaves palace staff with concerns about implementation and constitutional implications.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on all political parties to refrain from politicising Negeri Sembilan's royal institution during the upcoming state election campaign, emphasising the need to preserve institutional respect.