Norwegian news accidentally reports king is dead

Palace says king is in 'fine form'

A Norwegian news agency is apologizing after it accidentally sent out the news that King Harald V had died, according to The Local Norway.

NTB sent the message to several media organizations in Norway Tuesday with a correction and withdrawal three minutes after the original alert. The now-withdrawn message said: "Norway is in mourning. King Harald V has died aged xx. The king died on xxx (day/date) (home, hospital etc.) at xx:xx (time)."

In a follow-up message, NTB wrote: "NTB is withdrawing the alert [of the King's death], which was sent due to technical error. We sincerely apologise."

The agency said the editorial team has several obituaries saved in a folder and ready to use in the event of a death. 

The Royal Palace issued a statement saying the king is "very much alive and in good form."