In 1973, Zahir Shah lost his throne in 1973 following a coup d'etat while he was traveling in Italy. He lived in Rome until his permanent return to Afghanistan in 2002.

In 2004, he was given the ceremonial title of "Father of the Nation" by the Afghan parliament, but played no political role.

"I'm a patriot who does his duty. I will carry out any role or mission the people of Afghanistan wish to bestow on me," he was quoted as saying in a recent interview

According to independent television station Tolo TV Zahir Shah died at his Kabul residence in the presidential palace compound, but no cause of death was announced.

Zahir Shah was in poor health for the last years of his life, using a wheelchair.

During a press conference, President Hamid Karzai announced three days of national mourning.

"We announce three days of national mourning over the death of the father of the nation, and the Afghan flag will be at half mast for three days," Karzai said.

"Prayer ceremonies will be held across the country, in the capital, in the provinces, by Afghan refugees overseas and in Afghan embassies.” he added.