Kate Middleton, Prince William break silence on King Harald's death

Kate Middleton and Prince William have reacted to the death of King Harald V of Norway, who died on Friday.

King Charles released a statement as the monarch reacted to the death of his cousin on social media.

"It is with deep sorrow that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today. King Harald passed away peacefully at Rikshospitalet on Friday, 28 August, at 06:35," the palace said.

King Charles says: "It is with the most profound sadness that my wife and I have learned of the death of my dear cousin, King Harald V of Norway.”

He further said, “For thirty-five years, King Harald served his people with unwavering dedication, guiding Norway through times of great change with warmth and humility.

“As Norway mourns the loss of so towering a figure, my whole family join 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.”

The United Kingdom and Norway share particularly close historical and family ties, with Britain one of the first countries to recognise Norwegian independence and establish diplomatic relations in 1905.

Kate Middleton and Prince William also reacted to the sad demise by pressing the heart button on the palace post by palace.